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THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER 


VOLUME  TWO 


1 


THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER 


TRANSLATED  INTO  ENGLISH  HEXAMETER 

VERSE  BY 


PRENTISS  CUMMINGS 


AN  ABRIDGMENT 

Which  Includes  all  the  Main  Story  and  the 


Most  Celebrated  Passages 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 
CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES 
Volume  Two 


BOSTON 

LITTLE,  BROWN,  AND  COMPANY 

1910 


Copyright ,  1910 , 

By  Prentiss  Cummings. 


All  rights  reserved 


131621 


THE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS,  CAMBRIDGE,  U.S.Ar 


V/" 


CONTENTS 

VOLUME  TWO 

Page 

Book  XII . 253 

Book  XYI . 282 

Book  XVII  . . 314 

Book  XVIII . 343 

Book  XIX . 381 

Book  XXII . 398 

Book  XXIII . 433 

Book  XXIV . 445 

Zeus,  Hera,  and  Poseidon . 499 


1 


o 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 

BOOK  XII1 


Thus,  in  camp,  the  son  of  Menoitios,  mighty  Pa- 
troklos, 

Tended  Eurypylos  wounded;  outside,  the  Argives 
and  Trojans 

Fought  in  tumultuous  fight;  nor  long  was  the  moat, 
nor  the  rampart, 

Built  to  protect  the  Danaan  ships  with  the  ditch 
run  about  it, 

Fated  to  last ;  for  hecatombs  none  had  they  burned 
the  immortals, 

Winning  their  aid  for  defence  of  the  camp  with  its 
manifold  booty. 

Saving  the  gods  build  the  wall  they  labor  vainly  that 
build  it. 

Only  while  Hector  was  living,  and  wrath  in  Achilles 
persisted, 

Only  while  still  undestroyed  was  the  opulent  city 
of  Priam, 

1  The  discouragement  expressed  by  the  Argives  at  the  end 
of  the  preceding  book  is  hardly  justified  by  the  facts.  This 
book  which  brings  the  ships  into  danger  is  therefore  important 
to  the  story,  since  it  affords  adequate  reason  why  Achilles 
should  relent  in  part,  as  he  did. 


254 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


That  long  endured,  and  only  that  long,  the  wall  of 
the  Argives. 

Nay,  when  the  flower  of  the  Trojans  were  dead,  and 
many  Achaians,  — 

Even  of  them  but  a  remnant  was  left.  —  and  the 
city  of  Priam 

Fell  after  ten  years’  siege,  and  the  Argives  sailed  for 
their  homesteads, 

Right  then,  planning  to  wash  it  away,  Poseidon  and 
Phoibos 

Turned  proud  rivers  against  it;  and  Phoibos  Apollo 
united 

All  that  flow  seaward  from  Ida;  and  nine  days’  time 
on  the  ramparts 

Dashed  he  the  power  of  the  current;  and  Zeus,  in 
order  to  aid  them, 

Rained  without  ceasing;  and,  trident  in  hand,  earth- 
shaking  Poseidon 

Taking  the  lead,  thrust  into  the  streams  the  mighty 
foundations 

Builded  of  beams  and  of  rocks,  there  laid  by  the  toil¬ 
ing  Achaians, 

Leaving  the  vast  shore  smooth  as  of  old  by  the 
Hellespont-eddies . 

When  he  had  covered  the  beach  with  its  wonted  sand- 
heaps,  the  rivers 

Turned  he  to  flow  once  more  where  the  fair  streams 
wandered  aforetime. 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


255 


This  for  an  after  day,  but  now  the  battle  and  war- 
din 

Blazed  round  a  firm-built  wall,  with  rattle  incessant 
of  missiles 

Beating  the  beams  of  the  towers;  and  behind  them 
cowered  the  Argives, 

Smit  by  the  lash  of  Zeus  and  fear  of  man-slaying 
Hector. 

Otherwise  he  —  he  fought  as  aforetime  with  might  of 
a  tempest; 

Even  as  when,  amid  huntsmen  and  dogs,  a  boar  or  a 
lion 

Wheeleth,  exulting  in  might,  as  the  men  stand  hud¬ 
dled  together 

Facing  and  hurling  their  spears;  but  his  haughty 
heart  feareth  nothing, 

Taketh  no  thought  of  flight,  and  death  only  quelleth 
his  courage; 

Often  he  turneth  and  maketh  assault  on  the  lines  of 
the  huntsmen, 

And,  wherever  his  onset  is  made,  men  scatter  before 
him; 

So,  to  and  fro  dashed  Hector  to  spots  where  com¬ 
rades  were  gathered, 

Bidding  them  march  through  the  moat.  Not  even 
the  swift-footed  horses 

Dared  it,  but  stopped  at  the  uttermost  edge,  and 
stood  there  and  snorted, 


256 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Scared  by  its  width  —  and  leap  it  they  could  not, 
go  through  it  they  would  not, 

Seeing  along  it  on  both  sides  the  banks  overhung;  and 
above  them 

Planted  were  sharpened  stakes,  there  placed  by  the 
Danaan  soldiers, 

Close  together  and  huge,  ’gainst  hostile  onset  a 
bulwark. 

Into  this  ditch ’t  were  not  easy  for  horses,  a  chariot 
drawing, 

Safely  to  enter;  the  footmen,  for  all  that,  were 
minded  to  try  it. 

Right  then  Polydamas  stopped,  and  said  to  impetu¬ 
ous  Hector:  — 

■  1 

“Hector  and  others,  ye  leaders  of  Troy  and  of  men  in 
alliance, 

Very  unwise  is  our  thought  to  drive  through  the 
trench  with  our  horses; 

Hard,  right  hard  is  the  moat  to  be  crossed,  for  pali¬ 
sades  sharpened 

Stand  in  it  thick,  and  beyond  them  ariseth  the  wall 
of  the  Argives. 

There  it  is  nowise  fit  to  go  down  and  battle  with 
horses, 

Being  so  cramped,  and  it  strikes  me  a  treacherous 
spot  to  be  caught  in. 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


257 


True,  if  high-thundering  Zeus,  being  bent  on  aiding 
the  Trojans, 

Meaneth  the  Danaans  ill  and  to  bring  them  to  utter 
extinction, 

Surely  no  man  could  wish  more  than  I,  and  the 
sooner  the  better, 

Even  their  names  might  die  afar  from  horse-nour¬ 
ishing  Argos. 

But  —  should  they  drive  us  back,  and  we  in  stam¬ 
pede  from  the  shipping, 

Tumble  into  this  ditch,  and  the  Danaans  flank  us,  I 
fear  me 

Messenger  even  would  never  get  home  to  tell  our 
destruction. 

Comrades,  do  as  I  say:  let  the  squires  stay  here  with 
the  horses; 

We  then  on  foot  in  a  heavy-armed  mass  will  all  follow 
Hector, 

Sure  that  the  foe  will  give  back  if,  indeed,  in  the 
toils  of  destruction.” 


Thus  Polydamas  spake,  and  his  wise  word  Hector 
accepting 

Straightway  out  from  the  car  sprang  down  to  the 
ground  in  his  armor; 

Nor  did  the  rest  of  the  Trojans  remain  in  their 
chariots  longer, 
vol.  ii  — 17 


258 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Nay,  every  man  sprang  out  when  he  saw  the  exam¬ 
ple  of  Hector. 

Each,  then,  ordered  his  driver  to  stay  back,  holding 
his  horses 

Orderly  there  by  the  trench;  and  they,  dividing  and 
arming, 

Gathered  in  five  strong  bands,  and  followed  their 
several  leaders. 

« 

Hector’s  troop  was  the  first,  with  Polydamas  match¬ 
less  to  aid  him, 

Greatest  in  number  and  boldest  to  act,  and  also  most 
eager 

Breach  to  make  in  the  wall  and  fight  in  the  Argive 
encampment. 

With  them  Kebnones  went,  third  leader;  behind  with 
the  horses 

One  less  able  to  fight  than  Kebriones  Hector  had 
left  there. 

Over  the  second  was  Paris,  Alkathoos,  also  Agenor; 

Helenos  captained  the  third,  and  stately  Deipho- 
bus  aided, 

Both  being  children  of  Priam;  third  aid  was  Asios 
mighty, 

Asios,  Iiyrtakos’  son,  whose  tall  sorrel  horses  had 
brought  him 

Hither  to  Troy  from  Arisbe,  a  town  on  the  river 
Selleis. 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


259 


Over  the  fourth  was  a  leader  bold,  the  son  of  An- 
chises, 

Even  Aineias,  whose  aids  were  two,  the  sons  of 
Antenor, 

Akmas,  Archelochus  strong,  and  both  efficient  in 
warfare. 

Over  the  fifth,  the  far-famed  allies,  Sarpedon  was 
leader, 

Having  Glaukos  as  aid  and  warlike  Asteropalos, 

Clearly  his  best  next  after  himself:  but  he  was 
unequalled. 

All  five,  when  they  had  fitted  each  other  with  buck¬ 
lers  of  bull’s-hide, 

Marched  on  the  Danaans  straight,  and  without  any 
fears  of  the  issue, 

Deeming  that  they  would  give  way,  and  fall  straight 
back  on  the  shipping. 

Now  all  the  rest  of  the  Trojans  and  famed  allies,  one 
excepted, 

Followed  the  prudent  advice  of  Polydamas,  mighty 
in  counsel, 

All  save  Asios,  Hyrtakos’  son,  who  objected  to 
leaving 

Horses  and  charioteer,  but  with  them  advanced  on 
the  shipping; 

Fool,  for  back  from  the  ships  to  wind-swept  Ilios 
never, 


260 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Never  was  he  on  chariot  borne  to  return  with  his 
horses  — 

Fate  too  soon  overtook  him,  the  fate  men  shrink  at 
the  name  of, 

Under  the  spear  of  Deukalion’s  son,  Idomeneus 
princely. 

Asios  led  the  assault  on  the  left  of  the  ships,  where 
the  Argives 

Drove  to  camp  from  the  field  with  horses  and  chari¬ 
ots  daily; 

At  it  he  drave  with  horses  and  car,  and  the  doors  of 
the  gateway 

Found  he  unshut,  and  the  long  bar  down;  men  were 
holding  them  open 

Haply  comrades  to  save  who  were  straggling  back 
from  the  battle. 

Straight,  and  with  mind  alert,  he  guided  his  horses 
right  forward, 

Followers  shouting  amain;  for  they  thought  the 
Achaians  before  them 

Longer  would  not  hold  out,  but  beat  a  retreat  on  the 
shipping,  — 

Fools,  two  men  most  valiant  in  fight  they  found  in 
the  gateway, 

Men  of  the  Lapithai  strain,  both  spearmen  stout  and 
courageous; 

Son  of  ancient  Peirithoos  one  of  them,  strong  Poly- 
poites, 


Book  XII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


261 


One  Leoriteus,  mighty  as  Ares,  the  hated  of  mor¬ 
tals. 

Both  in  front  of  the  ponderous  gates  stood  sted- 
fast  as  oak-trees, 

High-crested  chiefs  of  the  mountains,  which  bide 
the  winds  and  the  rain-storms 

Ever,  their  great  strong  roots  unbroken  and  framed 
in  the  greensward; 

So  these  twain  in  their  stout  right  arms  confiding, 
and  stedfast, 

Faced  great  Asios  driving  against  them  and  feared 
not  and  fled  not. 

Straight  'gainst  the  well-built  wall  the  Trojans 
marched,  and  their  sounding 

Targes  lifted  on  high  as  they  came  with  tumultuous 
shouting. 

Inside  the  gates  the  twain  were  bidding  the  mail- 
clad  Achaians 

Stay  and  defend  the  ships;  but  seeing  the  wall  was 
in  danger, 

Trojans  rushing  against  it  and  Danaans  shouting 
and  fleeing, 

Forth  from  the  gates  they  dashed,  and  fought  in 
front  of  the  gateway 

Fiercely  as  two  wild  boars  which  to  men  and  dogs 
in  the  mountains, 

Coming  a  noisy  throng,  give  warm  reception  and, 
charging 


262 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


This  way  and  that,  they  shatter  about  them  the 
trees  of  the  forest, 

Tearing  them  out  by  the  roots,  and,  while  life  lasteth 
within  them, 

Gnashing  of  tusks  ceaseth  not ;  so,  loud  on  the  breasts 
of  the  warriors 

Rattled  the  bronze  missile-hit,  for  a  mighty  fight 
they  were  waging, 

Trusting  their  might  and  their  friends  up  above, 
who  down  from  the  towers 

Hurled  huge  stones  in  defence  of  themselves,  their 
camp,  and  their  shipping. 

Thick  as  the  snow-flakes  fall  to  the  earth  when 
boisterous  storm-winds. 

Shaking  the  louring  clouds,  sweep  down  on  the  fields 
of  the  farmer, 

So  from  their  hands  flew  missiles  alike  from  Achaian 
and  Trojan, 

So  on  helmet  and  shield  fell  huge  stones,  crashing  and 
grinding. 

Then,  confounded,  in  wrath  unforgetting,  spake 
Asios,  saying:  — 


“  Verily,  All-father  Zeus,  thou,  too,  art  an  absolute 
liar, 

Grown  such;  for  surely,  I  said  in  my  heart,  the 
Danaan  heroes 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


263 


Never  will  stand  their  ground  ’gainst  might  and 
courage  like  ours; 

Yet,  as  an  army  of  wriggling  wasps,  or  bees  by  a 
roadside, 

Leave  not  their  hollow  home  but,  fierce  in  defence 
of  their  children, 

Stay  and  fight  with  the  hunter;  so  these,  tho’  two 
against  many, 

Think  not  of  leaving  the  gates,  and  of  living  and 
dying  they  reck  not.” 

Thus  he  said ;  but  his  outcry  the  plan  of  Zeus  did  not 
alter, 

Seeing  the  glory  of  taking  the  wall  he  intended  for 
Hector. 

While  thus  defending  the  gate  they  were  stripping  the 
arms  from  the  fallen, 

Still  the  band  led  by  Llector  with  wise  Polydamas, 
aiding  — 

Band  the  largest  and  boldest  in  fight,  as  well  as  most 
eager 

Both  to  break  thro’  the  wall,  and  burn  the  Danaan 
shipping  — 

Lingered  aback  by  the  trench;  for,  just  as  they 
started  to  cross  it, 

Lo,  a  bird  flew  over  their  heads  —  a  warning  of 
evil  — 


264 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Even  a  high-soaring  eagle  which  skirted  the  left  of 
the  army, 

Bearing  a  snake,  a  blood-red  snake,  in  its  talons  — 
a  monster, 

Living  and  struggling  still,  and  the  joy  of  battle  forgat 
not; 

Nay,  for  backward  it  writhed  and  bit  the  breast  of 
the  eagle 

Close  by  the  neck;  unnerved  by  the  pain  its  captor 
then  dropped  it 

Down  to  the  earth;  as  it  fell  in  the  midst  where  the 
soldiers  were  gathered, 

Off  with  a  scream  flew  the  bird,  to  the  blasts  of  the 
winds  a  companion. 

Full  of  concern  were  the  Trojans  on  seeing  the  slip¬ 
pery  serpent 

Lying  amid  them,  a  portent  of  Zeus  who  wieldeth 
the  aegis. 

Straightway  Polydamas  halted,  and  said  to  impet¬ 
uous  Hector:  — 


“  Hector,  thou  takest  it  ill  if  ever  I  speak  in  as¬ 
sembly, 

E’en  tho’  my  counsel  be  good,  and  plain  speech 
faithfully  spoken 

Thinkest  exceedeth  a  plain  man’s  right,  nor  brook  it 
in  council, 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


265 


Still  less  brook  it  in  war  —  save  it  feedeth  thy  mas¬ 
terful  spirit; 

Yet,  once  more  will  I  say  what  the  time  and  duty 
demandeth. 

Let  us  not  go  on  our  raid  to  destroy  the  Danaan 
shipping : 

Ill  will  it  prove  in  the  end,  I  am  sure,  for  just  as  we 
started 

Came  this  bird,  which  is  clearly  a  portent  of  ill  to 
the  Trojans, 

Even  a  high-soaring  eagle  which  skirted  the  left  of 
the  army, 

Bearing  a  blood-red  snake  in  its  claws,  a  monster 
still  living, 

Yet  it  abandoned  its  prey  or  ever  it  came  to  its 
eyrie,  . 

Neither  accomplished  its  end  of  making  it  food  for 
its  nestlings. 

Even  so  we,  tho’  we  carry  by  storm  their  gates  and 
defences, 

Even  tho’,  worsted,  the  Argives  should  beat  a  re¬ 
treat  to  the  shipping, 

Yet  will  our  homeward  march  be  wild  retreat  and 
disorder; 

Many  a  Trojan,  I  ween,  shall  we  leave  behind  us  — 
the  fallen  — 

Slain  by  the  Danaan  spear  in  stubborn  defence  of 
their  barracks. 


266 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Thus  would  any  true  soothsayer  say  who  knoweth 
his  business, 

Hath  true  knowledge  of  signs,  and  winneth  faith  from 
the  people.” 


Grim  was  his  look  as  for  answer  outspake  great 
crest- waving  Hector :  — 

“Truly,  this  that  thou  sayest,  Polydamas,  pleaseth 
me  little. 

Thou  hast  the  wit  to  harangue  on  the  opposite 
side  and  the  better. 

Granting  this  counsel  of  thine  be  in  downright  ear¬ 
nestness  spoken, 

Surely  the  gods  themselves  have  blasted  thy  natural 
genius, 

Thou  who  bid’st  us  forget  high-thundering  Zeus  and 
his  counsel, 

All  he  hath  promised  to  me  and  by  nod  of  his  head 
hath  confirmed  it. 

Long-winged  birds  are  the  sages  thou  biddest  us 
look  to  for  guidance  — 

Things  I  heed  not,  nor  care  for  them  either,  however 
they  wander, 

Whether  they  go  to  the  right  toward  the  east  and  the 
sun  as  he  riseth, 

Or,  if  it  hap,  sail  away  to  the  left  and  the  westering 
darkness. 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


267 


We  give  obedience  due  to  mighty  Zeus  and  his 
counsel, 

Him  who  reigneth  o’er  all,  over  mortals  and  also 
immortals. 

That  one  omen  is  best  which  biddeth  us  fight  for 
our  country.” 

Suiting  action  to  word  he  led  the  way,  and  his  soldiers 

Followed  with  wondrous  shouts;  and  Zeus,  great 
lord  of  the  thunder, 

Sent  from  the  mountains  of  Ida  a  wild  tornado  to 
aid  them, 

Driving  the  dust  straight  down  on  the  ships,  and  the 
Danaans’  spirit 

Wheedled  away,  while  victory  marched  with  the 
Trojans  and  Hector. 

Full  of  self-confidence  they,  on  their  might  and  his 
omens  reliant, 

Made  unceasing  assault  on  the  mighty  wall  of  the 
Argives. 

Beams  of  the  towers  they  kept  dragging  away,  the 
battlements  shattered, 

And,  on  the  posts  in  front  of  the  wall,  they  pried  with 
persistence, 

Posts  the  Achaians  had  driven  to  serve  as  a  stay  of 
the  earth-works. 

These  they  kept  pulling  down,  and  to  storm  the 
Danaan  ramparts 


268 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Hoped  without  ceasing;  but  even  in  this  strait  the 
Danaans  flinched  not, 

No,  but  with  bufl’s-hide  shields  having  closed  the 
battlements  missing, 

Cast  down  missiles  in  showers  on  the  foe  coming 
under  the  rampart. 

Everywhere  over  the  wall  the  Aiases  ran  without 
ceasing, 

Constantly  giving  commands,  and  rousing  the  might 
of  the  Argives, 

One  man  by  hearty  approval,  another  sternly  rebuk¬ 
ing, 

Never  mincing  their  words  if  a  man  kept  aloof  from 
the  fighting  — 

Saying:  “Ye  Argive  chiefs  and  other  subordinate 
rulers, 

Yea,  and  men  in  the  ranks  less  valiant,  (for  nowise 
are  all  men 

Equal  in  war,)  there  is  work  enough  here  for  all  of 
your  powers. 

This  every  man  of  you  knows  without  telling:  there¬ 
fore  let  no  man, 

Turning  his  back  at  the  shouts  of  the  foe,  give  ground 
toward  the  shipping; 

No,  forge  well  to  the  front  yourselves,  and  encourage 
the  others, 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


269 


Hoping  that  haply  Olympian  Zeus,  the  god  of  the 
lightning, 

Grant  us  to  ward  the  attack,  and  drive  the  foe  to 
the  city.” 


Thus,  with  rallying  cry,  both  urged  the  Achaians  to 
battle. 

Then,  o’er  the  warring  men  flew  stones  as  thickly 
as  snow-flakes 

Fall  on  a  Winter’s  day,  when  Zeus,  who  guideth  the 
seasons, 

Starteth  a  snow-storm,  to  man  displaying  the  mis¬ 
siles  of  heaven; 

So,  with  the  winds  all  laid,  he  maketh  continuous 
down-pour, 

Snoweth  till  covered  are  hill-tops  high,  and  tower¬ 
ing  foreland, 

Covered  the  flowery  plain  and  the  fertile  field  of  the 
farmer, 

Aye,  till  the  grey  sea’s  havens  are  white,  and  even  the 
sea-beach 

Saving  as  swept  by  the  breakers;  and  all  the  rest  of 
the  landscape 

Lieth  enswathed  in  its  wrappings  of  down,  when  the 
snow-fall  is  heavy; 

Such  was  the  volley  of  stones,  alike  from  besieged  and 
besieger, 


270 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Some  being  at  Trojans  cast,  some  from  Trojans  cast 
at  Achaians, 

And,  the  wall  all  along,  reechoed  the  thunder  of  battle. 

Nowise,  at  least  not  then,  would  the  Trojans  and 
glorious  Hector 

Ever  have  broken  the  gates  of  the  wall,  or  the  pon¬ 
derous  cross-bar, 

Save  that  his  son,  Sarpedon,  dread  Zeus  who  govern- 
eth  all  things 

Sent  on  the  Danaan  host  like  a  lion  on  crumpled¬ 
horned  cattle. 

Straightway  he  lifted  before  him  his  full-orbed 
shield,  which  the  bronze-smith 

Hammered  in  beautiful  bronze-work,  and,  inside,; 
many  a  bull’s-hide 

Stitched  to  the  radiate  framework  of  gold  that  com¬ 
pleted  the  circle. 

This  he  lifted  before  him,  and  two  spears  brandished, 
and  forward 

Rushed  with  the  headlong  rush  of  a  lion  that  lairs  in 
the  mountains 

Long  anhungered  for  meat,  and  his  reckless  spirit 
impelleth 

Dauntless  attack  on  a  well-fenced  fold  for  the  sheep 
shut  within  it. 

Nothing  he  careth  for  dogs,  nor  men  with  spears  that 
defend  it, 


Book  XII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


271 


Never  thinketh  of  beating  retreat  the  assault  un¬ 
attempted, 

No,  but  with  desperate  bound  he  seizeth  his  prey,  or 
is  smitten 

Dead,  while  forcing  the  fight,  by  a  dart  from  the  hand 
of  a  marksman; 

Even  so  then  his  impetuous  heart  bade  godlike 
Sarpedon 

March  on  the  wall  and  its  battlements  rend,  and 
storm  it  in  triumph. 

Straightway  to  Glaukos  he  spake,  the  son  of  Hip- 
polochos,  saying:  — 

“  Glaukos,  why  in  our  land  hold  we  the  chief est  of 
honors, 

Seats  of  honor,  and  meats,  and  wines  in  generous 
wine-cups? 

Wherefore  to  us  granted  noble  demesnes  on  the 
banks  of  the  Xanthos, 

Beautiful  orchards  and  vineyards,  and  many  a  wheat¬ 
bearing  acre? 

Now  in  return  it  behooves  us  to  stand  in  the  forefront 
of  danger, 

Even  the  Lykian  van,  and  the  fight  face  where  it  is 
hottest, 

So  that  our  followers  bold,  beholding,  may  say,  and 
with  meaning :  — 

‘Not  inglorious,  surely,  are  these  our  Lykian  masters: 


272 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


True,  they  are  kings,  and  eat  fat  sheep,  and  their 
wines  are  the  choicest  — 

Yes,  but  they  fight  in  the  front,  and  their  valor  is 
great  as  their  station.’ 

Comrade,  I  tell  thee  true,  if,  this  one  battle  escap¬ 
ing, 

Death  did  not  face  us  still,  and  age  and  decrepitude 
face  us, 

Neither  would  I  myself  go  forth  to  fight  with  the 
foremost, 

No,  nor  urge  thee  on  to  man-ennobling  battle. 

But,  as  it  is,  (for  the  minions  of  death  are  lurking  all 
round  us, 

Myriad,  such  that  no  mortal  can  shun,  much  less  can 
escape  them,) 

On  to  the  front,  be  it  victory  won,  or  a  warrior’s 
death-bed!” 

Thus  spake  Sarpedon,  and  Glaukos  complied,  and, 
turning  beside  him 

Both  marched  straight  on  the  foe  with  the  Lykians 
pressing  behind  them. 

Watching  the  movement  Menestheus,  the  son  of 
Peteos,  trembled, 

Seeing  his  tower  was  the  station  they  drave  at,  threat¬ 
ening  ruin. 

Anxiously  scanned  he  the  parapet  over  to  see  if  an 
Argive 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


273 


Book  XII 


Leader  was  there,  to  ward  from  his  comrades  the 
danger  impending; 

On  it  he  noticed  the  Aiases  twain,  insatiate  warriors, 

Standing  alert,  and  Teucer,  just  come  from  the 
station,  was  nigh  them. 

Call  as  he  might  he  could  never  be  heard,  so  great 
was  the  uproar  — 

War-cries  rising  to  heaven,  and  smiting  of  shields 
and  of  helmets 

Crested,  and  pounding  the  gates;  for  all  were  now 
shut,  and  the  Trojans 

Standing  anigh  were  mightily  seeking  to  break  them 
and  enter. 

Hastily,  now,  to  Aias  he  sent  the  herald,  Thootes,1 

Saying:  —  “Go  on  the  run  and  summon  Aias, 
Thootes. 

Bring  them  both  if  thou  canst,  for  here  disaster  is 
threatened, 

Seeing  right  hither  are  pressing  the  Lykians,  men  who 
aforetime 

Press  persistently  on,  and  they  charge  with  infuriate 
ardor. 

If,  over  there  as  well,  is  heavy  fighting  and  danger, 

Yet,  without  fail,  tho’  alone,  let  stout  Telamonian 
Aias 

Come  to  the  rescue,  and  Teucer  come  with  him,  the 
archer  unerring.” 

1  Pronounced  Tho  6  tes. 


VOL.  II  — 18 


274 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Thus  he  said,  and  the  herald  heard,  and,  straight¬ 
way  complying, 

Hurried  away  on  the  run  to  the  wall  of  the  mail-clad 
Achaians, 

Halted  beside  the  Aiases  twain,  and  instantly 
shouted :  — 

“Ho,  there,  Aiases  both,  ye  chiefs  of  the  mail-clad 
Achaians, 

King  Menestheus  is  urgent  that  you  come  over  where 
he  is, 

Wishing  your  aid  in  the  struggle,  albeit  your  stay  be 
the  shortest  — 

Both  if  you  possibly  can  —  for  there  disaster  is 
threatened, 

Seeing  a  heavy  attack  the  Lykian  chieftains  are 
leading, 

Men  who  aforetime  have  ever  pressed  on  in  des¬ 
perate  battle. 

If,  here  also,  is  heavy  assault,  and  fight  is  beginning, 

Then  he  desireth  at  least  that  stout  Telamonian 
Aias 

Come  tho’  alone,  and  Teucer  come  with  him,  the  bow¬ 
man  unerring.” 

Thus  he  said,  and,  complying,  spake  great  Telamonian 
Aias 

Straightway  in  winged  words  to  his  namesake,  son  of 
Oileus:  — 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


275 


“Aias,  do  you  twain  here,  both  you  and  strong 
Lycomedes, 

Stand  your  ground,  and  the  Danaans  urge  to  fight  to 
the  utmost. 

I  must  comply,  and  go  over  yonder,  and  help  in  the 
struggle; 

Then  will  I  hurry  straight  back  as  soon  as  the  danger 
is  over.” 

Suiting  action  to  word,  away  Telamonian  Aias 

Went,  and  Teucer  went  with  him,  a  son  of  Telamon 
also. 

When  they  had  come  to  the  tower  of  great-souled 
Menestheus,  and  entered, 

Sorely  beset  they  found  them,  and  over  the  battle¬ 
ments  climbing 

Fierce  as  a  gruesome  tornado  the  Lykian  leaders  and 
princes. 

Then,  in  fight,  the  combatants  grappled,  shouting 
their  war-cries. 

First  to  despatch  his  man  was  great  Telamonian  Aias, 

Slaying  the  comrade  of  mighty  Sarpedon,  great- 
souled  Epikles, 

Smiting  him  down  with  a  jagged  stone,  by  the  battle¬ 
ments  lying, 

Aye,  and  a  huge  one.  No  man  in  his  prime  with  both 
hands  could  lift  it, 


276 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Such  as  are  men  of  to-day;  but  Aias  lifted  and  cast  it, 

Brake  in  the  fourfold  crest,  and  smashed  his  head  to 
a  jelly. 

Down  like  a  diver  he  dropped  from  the  lofty  tower, 
and  the  spirit 

Left  him;  and  Teucer,  down  from  the  wall  let  fly, 
and  his  arrow 

Glaukos  hit  in  the  shoulder  who  bared  it,  fronting  the 
battle, 

Making  him  cease  from  the  fight;  and  back  he  sprang 
from  the  rampart, 

Slyly,  that  none  of  the  foe  might  see  he  was  hit  and 
revile  him. 

Soon  as  he  knew  it,  Sarpedon  was  grieved  at  the  loss 
of  his  comrade, 

Yet  his  joy  in  the  fight  he  forgat  not,  but  making  a 
spear-cast 

Hit  Alkmaon,1  begotten  of  Thestor.  Withdrawing 
his  weapon 

Headlong  Alkmaon  fell  down,  and  his  bronze  arms 
rattled  about  him. 

Then,  with  his  mighty  hands  Sarpedon,  the  parapet 
seizing, 

Gave  it  a  pull,  and  the  mass  gave  way  completely, 
above  it 

Leaving  the  rampart  bare  and  a  roadway  opened  for 
many. 


1  Aik  m&  on. 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


277 


Aias  and  Teucer  then  faced  him  together.  The 
shaft  of  the  latter 

Spent  its  force  on  the  shield-strap  that  gleamed  on 
the  breast  of  the  hero  — 

Zeus  preserved  him  from  death  that  he  might  not 
fall  by  the  shipping. 

Aias  sprang  on  with  a  cast  at  his  shield,  but  through 
it  the  spear-point 

Passed  not,  but  force  of  the  blow  made  him  stagger, 
and  halt  in  his  onrush. 

Back  he  withdrew  just  a  step  from  the  parapet;  yet 
did  he  nowise 

Beat  a  retreat,  for  his  soul  was  aflame,  and  victory 
hoped  for. 

Wheeling  about  he  called  to  the  stalwart  Lykians, 
saying :  — 

“ Lykians,  why  so  remiss!  why  slack  in  the  fury  of 
onslaught ! 

Hard  is  the  task  for  me,  however  stoutly  I  struggle, 

All  alone  to  break  through  and  force  a  way  to  the 
shipping. 

Up,  then,  and  at  them!  the  greater  our  number  the 
better  the  finish.” 

Thus  he  said,  and  his  men,  abashed  at  reproof  from 
their  captain, 

Rushed  still  more  to  support  him,  and  pressed  on 
harder  than  ever. 


278 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Over  against  them  the  Argives  together  massed  their 
battalions, 

Forming  the  wall  inside,  and  great  was  the  task  set 
before  them, 

Seeing  that  neither  the  Lykians  stout  could  the 
Danaan  bulwarks 

Break,  nor  through  them  a  passage  could  force  to 
the  enemy’s  shipping, 

Nor,  any  more,  could  the  Danaan  spearmen  the 
Lykian  phalanx 

Drive  away  from  the  wall  whereon  they  once  had  a 
footing. 

E’en  as  a  couple  of  men  engaged  in  the  fixing  of 
landmarks, 

Standing  with  measuring  rods  in  their  hands,  in  a 
field  that  is  common, 

Strive  in  a  narrow  space  that  the  mark  make  equal 
division, 

So  the  parapet,  now,  the  parties  divide,  and  across 
it 

Trojan  fought  with  Achaian,  and  pounded  the  buck¬ 
lers  of  bull’s-hide, 

Full-orbed,  held  in  front  of  the  breast,  and  the  flut¬ 
tering  targes. 

Many  a  fighter  was  pierced  by  the  pitiless  bronze 
thro’  the  body  — 

All  who  turned  in  the  fight  and  their  backs  exposed 
to  the  spear-thrust  — 


Book  XII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


279 


Aye,  thro'  the  very  shield  passed  the  spear  with  a 
death-wound  to  many. 

Blood  of  men  besprinkled  the  towers,  and  the  para¬ 
pet  covered, 

Blood  of  the  combatants  both,  alike  of  Achaian  and 
Trojan. 

Yet,  tho’  fiercely  they  strove  they  prevailed  not  to 
rout  the  Achaians; 

Nay,  but  as  woman  who  spinneth  for  hire,  yet  is 
honest  and  open, 

Poiseth  the  scales  till  weight  and  her  yarn  shall  bal¬ 
ance  exactly, 

Wishing  her  dues  to  win  for  her  children  a  scanty 
subsistence, 

So  both  parties  held  out,  and  neither  had  any  ad¬ 
vantage, 

Till,  of  a  sudden,  dread  Zeus  gave  preeminent  glory 
to  Hector  — 

Glory  of  being  the  first  to  break  the  wall  of  the 
Argives. 

Loudly  he  called,  and  all  over  the  field  was  heard  of 
the  Trojans:  — 


“ Onward,  chivalrous  Trojans!  Break  through  the 
wall  of  the  Argives! 

Drive  on  the  ships  the  god-given  fire  that  mortal  can 
quench  not!" 


280 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XII 


Such  was  his  rallying  cry,  and  the  Trojans  heard,  and 
with  spirit 

Made  a  dash  for  the  wall  all  together,  some  of  them 
climbing 

Up  by  the  buttresses,  sharp  spears  holding,  and 
glorious  Hector 

Seized  and  lifted  a  stone  which  lay  in  front  of  the 
gateway, 

Thick  at  the  bottom  and  sharp  at  the  top,  a  stone  so 
unwieldy 

Hardly  two  men  of  the  stoutest  could  lift  it,  and  load 
on  a  wagon  — 

Men  as  mortals  now  are  —  but  alone  he  easily 
swung  it. 

Like  as  a  shepherd  the  fleece  of  a  ram  can  easily 
carry, 

One  hand  only  sufficing,  and  findeth  the  burden  a 
light  one, 

Even  so  Hector  uplifted  the  stone,  and  easily  bore  it 

Straight  at  the  double  doors  that  guarded  the 
stubborn-set  portals, 

Fastened  within  by  cross-bars  twain,  and  heavily 
bolted. 

Drawing  anigh  he  stood  and,  bracing  himself  for  the 
effort, 

Setting  his  legs  apart  to  give  full  force  to  the  stonecast, 

Smote  the  gates  in  the  middle,  and  off  brake  both  of 
the  hinges. 


Book  XII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


281 


Well  inside  of  the  gates  flew  the  ponderous  stone, 
for  the  cross-bars 

Failed  and,  bellowing  loudly,  the  great  gates  parted 
asunder 

Under  the  rush  of  the  stone;  and  in  sprang  glorious 
Hector, 

Black  in  his  brow  as  night,  and  awful  the  gleam  of  his 
armor. 

Mortal  man  could  not  face  him  as  in  he  sprang 
through  the  gateway, 

Holding  two  spears  in  his  hands,  and  his  keen  eyes 
blazing  like  fire. 

Wheeling  about  he  called  to  the  Trojans  in  all  their 
battalions, 

Bidding  them  over  the  wall;  and  they,  with  his 
orders  complying, 

Some  leaped  over,  and  some  rushed  in  by  the  gates; 
and  the  Argives 

Fled  to  the  hollow  ships  in  unspeakable  rout  and 
confusion. 


BOOK  XVI 


Such  was  the  desperate  fight  for  the  stately  ship,1  as 
Patroklos 

Came  to  Achilles,  the  Myrmidon’s  lord,  and  halted 
beside  him, 

Hot  tears  streaming  unstinted  adown  as  a  fount  of 
black  water 

Poureth  its  violet  flood  down  rock  that  goat  never 
clambered. 

On  him  in  secret  compassion  looked  swift-footed 
godlike  Achilles, 

Yet  he  in  winged  words  proceeded  to  banter  him, 
saying:  — 

“Why  these  tears,  Patroklos,  as  sobbeth  a  little  girl 
baby 

Running  her  mother  beside  as  she  beggeth  up  to  be 
taken, 

1  At  the  end  of  the  omitted  books  (Books  XIII,  XIV,  and 
XV)  the  Trojans  are  attacking  the  ship  of  Protesilaos,  the 
first  Achaian  killed  on  landing.  Otherwise  the  parts  omitted 
are  in  no  wise  essential  to  the  main  story.  The  most  in¬ 
teresting  incident  of  the  omitted  material  appears  at  the 
end  of  the  two-volume  edition  of  this  translation  as  an 
episode,  “  Zeus,  Hera  and  Poseidon.”, 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


283 


Fastens  herself  on  the  gown  of  the  mother,  and  hin¬ 
ders  her  going, 

Weeping,  wild-eyed  and  wistful  till,  lo,  her  mother 
uplifts  her,  — 

Like  to  that  baby,  Patroklos,  thou  pourest  thy 
piteous  tears. 

Hast  thou  unhappy  disclosure  for  me  or  my  Myrmi¬ 
don  subjects? 

Bad  news  is  there  from  Phthia  which  thou  hast 
heard  and  no  other? 

Living  at  last  accounts  was  Menoitios,  scion  of 
Aktor; 

Living  Aiak^ides  Peleus  at  peace  with  the  Myrmidon 
peoples  — 

Ample  cause  for  our  grief,  no  doubt,  if  either  hath 
perished. 

Ah,  can  it  be,  Patroklos,  thy  tears  are  shed  for  the 
Argives 

Falling  their  ships  beside,  and  all  for  their  own 
transgression? 

Out  with  it!  nothing  keep  back!  I,  too,  would  share 
in  thy  sorrow.” 


Then,  and  heavily  groaning,  thou  answeredst, 
knightly  Patroklos :  — 

“Oh,  Achilles  Peleides,  thou  mightiest  far  of  Acha- 
ians, 


284 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Be  ye  not  angry,  such  direful  distress  hath  befallen 
the  Argives. 

Lo,  now,  all  of  our  heroes  aforetime  accounted  the 
bravest 

Helpless  lie  at  the  ships,  for  all  have  been  hit  and 
disabled. 

Smitten,  for  one,  is  Tydeides,  the  mighty  in  fight, 
Diomedes; 

Wounded,  moreover,  is  spear-famed  Odysseus  and 
King  Agamemnon; 

Valiant  Eurypylos,  too,  is  hit  in  the  thigh  with  an 
arrow. 

These  men  leeches  learned  in  drugs  are  carefully 
tending, 

Healing  their  wounds;  yet  thou  sittest  here  impas¬ 
sive,  Achilles. 

Never  may  anger  seize  me  like  this  thou  so  carefully 
nursest, 

Stedfast  for  ill!  How,  pray,  will  men  of  the  future 
regard  thee 

If,  in  their  sorest  need,  thou  failest  to  save  the 
Achaians? 

Pitiless  man!  No  father  to  thee  was  chivalrous 
Peleus, 

Thetis  could  never  have  borne  thee;  the  stormy  sea 
was  thy  mother, 

Rocks  adamantine  begat  thee  withal,  so  hard  is  thy 
nature. 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


285 


If,  unknown  to  thy  friends,  thou  dreadest  some 
warning  from  heaven, 

Something  thy  care-taking  mother  disclosed,  and 
Zeus  hath  forbidden, 

Then  send  me,  and  at  once,  and  the  rest  of  the  Myr¬ 
midons  with  me, 

Light  to  bring  to  the  Danaan  arms  in  their  gloom  of 
disaster. 

Give  me  moreover  this  harness  of  thine  to  gird  on 
my  shoulders 

So  that  the  Trojans  may  think  I  am  thou,  and  desist 
from  the  onset, 

Giving  our  hard-pressed  comrades-in-arms  a  moment 
to  breathe  in, 

All  worn  out  as  they  are;  and  short  are  the  respites 
of  battle. 

Easily  we  who  are  fresh  can  make  men  weary  with 
fighting 

Beat  a  retreat  to  the  town,  and  save  our  ships  and 
encampment.” 


Thus  he  begged  and  besought  and,  all  unwitting,  he 
knew  not 

Death  and  the  gloomy  grave  was  the  awful  boon  he 
was  asking. 

Greatly  stirred  was  Achilles,  and  bitterly  answered 
him,  saying:  — 


286 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


“Ah  me,  Zeus-born  Patroklos;  thy  words  are  wild 
and  unmeaning. 

Warning  from  heaven  withholdeth  me  not,  nor  bid¬ 
ding  my  mother 

Bringeth  from  Zeus;  but  bitter  distress  my  heart 
hath  invaded, 

Knowing  a  man  absolutely  my  equal  hath  flouted 
and  robbed  me, 

Seizing  the  woman  my  valor  had  earned  and  the 
army  awarded. 

Her,  the  fruit  of  my  spear  when  I  captured  a  fortified 
city, 

King  Agamemnon  Atreides  took  from  me  in  haughty 
derision 

Just  as  if  I  were  an  alien  unhonored;  but  still  I 
remember 

What ’s  done  cannot  be  undone;  I  may  not  be  angry 
forever. 

True,  I  always  declared  my  wrath  should  withhold 
me  from  action 

Till,  to  my  very  ships,  came  savage  war-shout  and 
battle; 

Yet  do  thou  in  mine  armor  the  Myrmidons  lead  to 
the  rescue 

If,  as  thou  sayest,  a  storm-cloud  of  Trojans  beats 
hard  on  the  shipping, 

Driving  before  it  the  cowering  Argives  to  herd  on  the 
seashore, 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


287 


Aye,  and  the  city  of  Troy  all  cometh  against  them, 
emboldened 

Seeing  that  longer  they  face  not  the  visor  that  front- 
eth  my  helmet. 

Soon  would  they  flee,  and  their  bodies  be  clogging  the 
streams,  had  Atreides 

Dealt  with  me  kindly;  but  now  his  army  must  fight 
for  existence. 

Not  in  Diomed’s  hands,  the  son  of  Tydeus  the 
mighty, 

Rageth  the  spear  any  more  to  avert  their  doom  from 
the  Argives, 

No,  nor  hear  I  the  voice  of  Atreides,  shouting  the 
war-cry 

Out  of  his  hated  mouth;  but  the  voice  of  man-slaying 
Hector 

Breaketh  about  me,  exhorting  the  Trojans,  whose 
outcries  of  triumph 

Fill  every  part  of  the  field  as  they  drive  the  Achaians 
in  battle. 

Wroth  as  I  am,  Patroklos,  to  save  our  ships  from 
destruction 

Lay  on  lustily,  smiting  the  Trojans,  lest  ravening 
fire 

Burn  up  the  fleet  indeed,  and  we  lose  the  return  we 
have  longed  for. 

Yet  give  heed;  I  consent;  but  understand  me  on  one 
point, 


288 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


So  that  thou  lose  not  for  me  at  the  hands  of  my  fellow 
Achaians 

Honor  and  glory  exceeding,  but  still  they  the  beau¬ 
teous  damsel 

Send  me  again,  and  provide  me  with  glorious  gifts  in 
addition. 

When  thou  hast  rescued  the  ships  return  forthwith; 
and  if  Hera’s 

Lord,  high-thundering  Zeus,  should  cover  thee  over 
with  glory, 

Go  not  beyond  this  apart  from  me,  and  pursue  thy 
advantage 

’Gainst  the  war-loving  Trojans,  for  thus  wilt  thou 
minish  mine  honor. 

Nay,  more,  this  for  thine  own  sake,  should  joy  of 
battle  inflame  thee, 

Hot  for  the  fray,  and  maddened  by  triumph  in  slay¬ 
ing  the  Trojans, 

March  not  against  their  city,  lest  one  of  the  ever- 
existing 

Gods  of  Olympos  should  meet  thee,  for  lo,  far-smiting 
Apollo 

Loveth  them  well;  nay,  turn  thee  again,  as  soon  as 
thou  bringest 

Light  to  the  ships;  and  then  let  the  rest  in  the  plain 
do  the  fighting. 

Would  that,  so  help  me  Zeus,  Athena,  and  Phoibos 
Apollo, 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


289 


Not  one  man  of  them  all  might  escape,  be  he  Trojan 
or  Argive, 

Only  we  twain  might  survive  and  Troy’s  high  coronal 
ravish.” 

Tell  me  the  story,  ye  Muses,  who  dwell  in  Olympian 
mansions, 

Just  how  it  was  that  the  fire  first  fell  on  the  Danaan 
shipping. 

Aias’s  ashen  spear  great  Hector,  drawing  anigh 
him, 

Smote  with  his  mighty  sword  on  the  shaft  just  back 
of  the  spear-head, 

Breaking  it  right  off  short;  and  this  Telamonian 
Aias 

Brandished  thus  in  his  hands,  —  a  useless  weapon, 
—  and  from  him 

Far  away  on  the  earth  fell  the  bronze  point,  lustily 
ringing. 

Then,  in  his  honest  heart,  did  Aias  know  with  a 
shudder 

Gods  were  at  work,  and  that  Zeus  who  filleth  heaven 
with  his  thunder 

Reft  him  of  use  in  the  conflict  and  victory  wished 
for  the  Trojans. 

Back  he  drew  from  the  darts;  and  the  Trojans 
unwearying  fire 
VOL.  ii.  — 19 


290 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Cast  on  the  ship,  and  unquenchable  flame  streamed 
quickly  about  her. 

Thus  at  the  ship  the  fire  was  busy  at  work,  and 
Achilles 

Smote  both  thighs  with  his  hands,  and  called  to  Pa- 
troklos,  saying :  — 

“Up,  now,  Zeus-born  Patroklos,  thou  furious  driver 
of  horses! 

Growing  apace  is  the  roar  of  devouring  fire  by  the 
galleys. 

Up,  lest  they  take  the  ships,  and  escape  be  open  no 
longer ! 

On  with  the  harness!  be  quick!  and  I  will  assemble 
the  people.” 

Thus  he  spake,  and  Patroklos  the  bright  bronze 
buckled  about  him, 

Taking  two  ponderous  spears  of  his  own,  not  that  of 
Achilles, 

Seeing  Achilles  alone  of  all  the  Achaians  could  wield  it. 

Next,  Patroklos  Automedon  ordered  to  harness  the 
horses, 

Comrade  Patroklos  esteemed  above  all  other  com¬ 
panions 

Next  to  man-crushing  Achilles,  and  trusty  was  he  as 
a  driver. 

Straightway  under  the  yoke  he  led  the  spirited 
horses, 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


291 


Xanthos  and  B alios,  swift  as  the  wind,  which  the 
Harpy,  Podarge, 

Bare  to  the  West- wind  while  grazing  a  mead  by  the 
streams  of  the  ocean. 

Then,  by  a  side-trace,  beside  them  he  fastened 
Pedasos  matchless  — 

Spoil  that  Achilles  had  brought  when  he  captured 
Eetion’s  city  — 

Which,  though  a  mortal  horse,  kept  pace  with  horses 
immortal. 


All  through  the  Myrmidon  camp,  meanwhile, 
Achilles  was  going, 

Warning  the  soldiers  to  arm;  and  the  men  responded 
with  spirit 

Like  unto  ravening  wolves  with  unspeakable  strength 
in  their  bosoms, 

Wolves  that  have  slain  a  great  horned  stag  in  the 
mountains,  and  rend  him 

Piecemeal;  and,  eaten  their  fill,  with  jaws  all  red 
from  the  slaughter, 

Eirst  having  gone  to  a  black-water  fount  and  lapped 
to  repletion, 

Gallop  away,  a  murderous  pack,  full-bellied  and 
fearless : 

So,  then,  about  Patroklos  the  Myrmidon  leaders  and 
princes 


292 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Rallied;  and  mid  them  was  standing,  aflame  with 
impetuous  ardor, 

War-wise  Achilles,  and  hurried  the  chariot-fighters 
and  footmen. 

Then,  when  Achilles  with  soldierly  skill  had  mar¬ 
shalled  his  forces 

All  with  their  leaders,  he  called  them  to  halt,  and 
sternly  addressed  them :  — 


“  Myrmidons,  see  ye  forget  not  the  threats  ye  have 
threatened  the  Trojans, 

Threats  ye  have  made,  and  complaints  ye  have  made, 
all  the  time  that  mine  anger 

Stayed  you  from  battle,  and  me  ye  have  blamed, 
every  man  of  you,  saying :  — 

*  Bitter,  malign  son  of  Peleus,  on  gall  thy  mother  hath 
reared  thee, 

Pitiless  man,  that  keepeth  in  camp  thy  comrades 
unwilling; 

Better  take  ship  and  go  home  since  wrath  so  ill- 
omened  hath  seized  thee.’ 

Gathered  together  in  knots  ye  in  this  fashion  clam¬ 
ored  against  me. 

War’s  stern  work  looks  you  now  in  the  face  which 
aforetime  ye  longed  for. 

Prove  it!  with  strenuous  hearts  charge  mightily  now 
on  the  Trojans!  ” 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


293 


Thus  he  spake;  and  every  man’s  heart  grew  strong 
for  the  conflict. 

Closer  their  serried  ranks  closed  in  at  the  call  of  their 
chieftain : 

Even  as  when  the  walls  of  a  palace  the  stone-mason 
buildeth, 

Fitting  the  stone-work  close  to  forefend  the  inroad 
of  wind-blast, 

So  fitted  helmets  and  bellying  shields  interlocking 
each  other, 

Shield  pressing  hard  upon  shield,  man  man,  and 
helmet  on  helmet, 

Aye,  and  the  horse-hair  crests  on  the  helmet-ridge 
as  they  nodded 

Hit  as  they  swayed,  so  nigh  one  another  the  soldiers 
were  standing. 

Front  of  the  Myrmidons  all  stood  two  men  shining 
in  armor, 

Knightly  Patroklos  and  with  him  Automedon,  both  of 
them  ardent, 

Fired  by  a  common  ambition  to  fight  in  the  forefront. 
Achilles 

Then  went  back  to  his  camp,  and  opened  the  lid  of  a 
coffer 

Beautiful,  curious  work,  which  silver-shod  Thetis, 
his  mother, 

Placed  on  the  ship  when  he  sailed,  filled  full  of  rai¬ 
ment  and  blankets. 


294 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


In  it  a  sumptuous  goblet  he  kept,  and  no  man  be¬ 
side  him 

Drank  from  it  ever,  and  never  to  god  made  he  from 
it  libation 

Saving  to  Zeus,  the  All-father.  And  now  from  the 
coffer  he  took  it, 

Cleansed  it  with  sulphur  and  rinsed  it  in  streams  of 
beautiful  water, 

Next  washed  his  own  hands  clean,  and  with  sparkling 
wine  filled  the  goblet. 

Then  in  the  midst  of  the  court  he  arose  and,  making 
libation, 

Looked  up  to  heaven  and  prayed;  and  Zeus,  dread 
Thunderer,  saw  him :  — 


1 

“Zeus  Dodonaian,  Pelasgic,  great  Sovran  who 
dwellst  in  remoteness, 

Ruling  from  wintry  Dodona,  and  round  about  thee 
the  Selloi 

Dwell,  and  thine  oracles  utter,  with  feet  unwashen, 
ground-crouching, 

Even  as  once  before  this  I  prayed  and  thou  heardst 
my  petition, 

Honoring  me,  but  chastising  the  Argives  with  chas¬ 
tisement  heavy, 

So  once  again  I  implore  thee  to  grant  this  further 
entreaty: 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


295 


Lo,  I  remain  of  myself  in  the  circle  of  ships,  but  my 
comrade 

Send  into  battle  without  me,  and  many  a  Myrmi¬ 
don  with  him. 

Grant,  O  Zeus  who  watchest  afar,  that  glory  attend  him, 

Yea,  so  strengthen  the  heart  in  his  bosom  that  arro¬ 
gant  Hector 

Also  may  know  if  our  squire  is  likewise  a  master  in 
warfare 

Even  when  fighting  alone,  or  hath  hands  unmatched 
when  he  rageth 

Only  when  I  make  infuriate  charge  in  the  tumults 
of  Ares. 

Then,  when  once  from  the  ships  he  hath  driven  this 
battle  and  war-cry, 

Let  him  return,  I  pray,  unscathed  to  the  swift-faring 
galleys, 

Bringing  his  arms,  all  told,  and  all  his  close-fighting 
companions.” 

Thus  he  entreated  in  prayer;  and  Zeus,  dread  Ar¬ 
biter,  heard  him. 

Half  his  entreaty  the  father  vouchsafed,  and  half  he 
denied  him : 

Driving  the  war  and  the  battle  away  from  the 
shipping  he  granted; 

Scathless  return  when  the  battle  was  over,  that  was 
.  withholden. 


296 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Now,  when  libation  was  made  and  his  prayer  to  the 
Father  was  ended, 

Back  to  his  camp  he  returned,  and  the  cup  laid 
away  in  the  coffer, 

Then  by  the  front  of  his  quarters  he  stood,  for  his 
turbulent  spirit 

Longed  for  the  terrible  sight  as  Achaian  encountered 
with  Trojan. 


During  this  while  Patroklos  and  men,  all  shining  in 
armor, 

Marched  in  the  pride  of  their  might  straight  on  till 
they  fell  on  the  Trojans. 

Like  unto  wasps  which  nest  by  a  roadside,  and  mis¬ 
chievous  children 

Always  are  stirring  them  up,  and  roguish  boys  are 
tormenting, 

Till,  in  the  end,  they  make  them  a  common  nuisance 
to  all  men; 

So,  when  a  wayfaring  man  passeth  by  with  no 
thought  to  molest  them, 

Every  infuriate  wasp  swarmeth  out,  full  of  fight  for 
its  children; 

Such  were  the  Myrmidons  then  and,  with  similar 
spirit  and  vigor, 

Came  pouring  out  of  the  Danaan  camp  with  un¬ 
quenchable  shoutings. 


POSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 
CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 

Book  XVI  HOMER’S  ILIAD  297 

Down  on  the  Trojans  they  fell  in  a  mass;  and  the 
shipping  about  them 

Echoed  their  terrible  cries  and  the  roar  of  the  shout¬ 
ing  Achaians. 


Now  when  the  Trojans  beheld  Menoitios’  son  in 
his  valor, 

Both  himself  and  his  squire  resplendent  in  glittering 
armor, 

All  felt  sinking  of  heart,  and  the  stoutest  phalanxes 
wavered, 

Thinking  that  mighty  Achilles  was  come,  and  his 
quarrel  was  ended. 

All  looked  this  way  and  that  for  escape  from  impend¬ 
ing  destruction. 


First,  with  his  shining  spear,  Patroklos  directed  a 
spear-cast 

Straight  at  the  press  where  the  ship  was  on  fire  and 
the  throng  was  the  greatest  — 

Even  along  by  the  galley  of  great-souled  Protesi- 
ldos. 

Noble  Pyraichmes  he  hit,  who  had  led  the  Paionian 
horsemen 

Thither  from  Amy  don,  far  from  the  Axios,  wide-flow¬ 
ing  river; 


298 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Him  he  smote  in  the  shoulder,  the  right  one,  and 
groaning,  Pyraichmes 

Fell  on  his  back  in  the  dust;  and  his  friends,  his 
Paionian  comrades, 

Scattered  and  fled,  in  dread  of  Patroklos  who  van¬ 
quished  their  greatest. 

So,  from  the  ships  he  drave  them,  and  quenched  the 
riotous  fire. 

Left  to  itself  was  the  ship  half  burned;  and  the 
terrified  Trojans 

Fled  with  a  wondrous  cry;  and  the  Danaans  forth 
from  their  hidings 

Poured  through  the  camp  half  lost;  and  ceaseless 
their  shouts  of  rejoicing. 

Like  to  the  change  when  Zeus,  who  gathereth  light¬ 
nings  together, 

Brusheth  aside  from  the  summit  of  mighty  moun¬ 
tain  a  storm-cloud, 

Suddenly  showing  its  peaks,  its  jutting  cliffs,  and  its 
valleys, 

And,  from  the  rifted  heaven,  breaketh  down  the  mys¬ 
terious  ether: 

So  gleamed  the  Danaan  hope  when  fire  was  dispelled 
from  the  shipping, 

Having  a  moment  to  breathe  in;  for  war’s  alarms 
were  not  over, 

Seeing  the  Trojans,  though  driven  in  rout,  but  yield 
to  compulsion. 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


299 


The  Trojans  Finally  Give  Way 

Swift  as  a  cloud  from  Olympos  at  times  cometh  into 
the  heavens 

Sped  from  the  ether  divine,  when  Zeus  outspreadeth 
a  tempest, 

So  the  Trojans  depart  from  the  ships  with  outcries 
and  panic, 

Neither  in  order  recrossed  they  the  ditch;  but  his 
swift-footed  horses 

Hector  bore  from  the  fray  with  his  arms;  his  people 
abandoned 

Sorely  were  stayed,  held  back  by  the  ditch  that  was 
dug  by  the  Argives. 

Many  swift  horses  so  strained  on  the  car  that,  to 
crown  the  disaster, 

Off  broke  the  chariot-pole  at  the  butt,  and  they 
fled  from  their  masters,  — 

Just  behind  them  Patroklos,  who  urged  the  Danaans 
fiercely, 

Meaning  death  to  the  Trojans;  and  they  with  their 
shoutings  and  panic 

Choked  all  the  passable  ways  as  they  scattered;  and 
upward  a  dust-storm 

Spread  forth  under  the  clouds,  and  forward  the 
clattering  horses 


300 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Strained  on  the  road  toward  the  city,  far,  far  from 
the  ships  and  encampment. 

Whithersoever  Patroklos  saw  rout  and  disorder  the 
thickest, 

Thither  he  drove  with  a  war-shout;  and  under  his 
axles  the  Trojans 

Fell  face  down  from  the  car,  and  the  car  fell  rattling 
over. 

Straight  on  over  the  trench  sprang  the  spirited  steeds 
of  Patroklos, 

Eager  to  go,  and  the  soul  of  Patroklos  called  loudly 
for  Hector, 

Longing  to  smite  him;  but  out  and  away  his  swift 
horses  bore  him. 

Even  as  under  a  tempest  the  whole  black  earth  lieth 
stricken 

When,  in  Autumn,  great  Zeus  outpoureth  his  heavi¬ 
est  rain-storm, 

Venting  on  mortals  his  anger:  the  rivers  are  full  to 
o’erflowing, 

Torrents  rush  from  the  slopes  and  eat  through  many 
a  hillside, 

Then  with  a  roar  and  a  rush  roll  thundering  down  to 
the  ocean, 

Headlong  down  from  the  hills,  and  the  works  of  the 
husbandmen  perish: 

So  the  horses  of  Troy  galloped  thundering  on  to  the 
.  city. 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


301 


Patroklos  Forgets  the  Warning  of  Achilles 

Then  to  his  horses  Patroklos  called,  and  Automedon 
ordered  — 

Lo,  his  wits  were  confounded  —  to  drive  on  after 
the  Trojans, 

Blinded!  for  had  he  but  faithfully  kept  to  the  word 
of  Achilles, 

Then  had  he  scaped  his  doom  and  grim  death’s 
awful  encounter. 

Mightier,  mightier  always,  the  counsels  of  Zeus  than 
of  mortals! 

Zeus,  it  was  Zeus,  who  awoke  in  his  heart  that  fatal 
ambition. 

Whom  didst  thou  slay,  fond  man,  when  to  death  the 
immortals  had  called  thee? 

First  Adrestos,  Autonoos  next,  then  Echeklos,  Epistor, 

Perimos,  great  son  of  Megas,  and  Moulios,  then 
Melanippos; 

Elasos  later  he  slew,  and  Pyrlartes;  these  men  were 
fighters, 

These  men  fell;  but  the  rest  thought  only  of  flight 
from  Patroklos. 

Right  then  high-gated  Troy  had  fallen  a  prey  to  the 
Argives 

Under  the  hands  of  Patroklos,  whose  spear  raged 
wide  all  about  him, 


302 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Saving  that  Phoibos  Apollo  on  Troy’s  high  towers 
was  standing, 

Aiding  the  Trojans,  and  meaning  for  him  things 
cursed  and  baneful. 

Thrice  Patroklos  had  climbed  up  the  lofty  wall  on  the 
corner, 

Thrice  Apollo  dislodged  him,  the  shining  shield  of 

✓ 

Patroklos 

Smiting  with  hand  immortal;  but  when  Patroklos 
the  fourth  time 

Dashed  at  the  wall  like  a  being  immortal,  Apollo 
severely 

Spake,  and  in  winged  words,  gave  stinging  rebuke  to 
him,  saying :  — 


“Give  back,  give  back,  Zeus-born  Patroklos!  Not 
under  thy  spear 

Fated  is  Troy,  this  city  of  warriors,  to  sink  to  its 
downfall, 

No,  nor  Achilles  either,  a  man  much  greater  than 
thou  art.” 


Thus  he  spake;  and  Patroklos  retired  far,  very  far 
backward, 

Shunning  the  wrath  of  the  god,  far-smiting  Apollo. 
Now,  Hector 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


303 


Close  by  the  Skaian  Gates  was  holding  his  storm¬ 
footed  horses, 

Pondering  whether  to  drive  once  again  into  battle,  or 
better 

Order  retreat  to  the  wall;  and  as  thus  in  his  heart 
he  debated, 

Phoibos  Apollo  drew  nigh  in  the  guise  of  a  mortal,  a 
hero 

Forceful  and  mighty,  Asios  named,  Queen  Hekabe’s 
brother, 

Therefore  an  uncle  of  horse-taming  Hector,  and 
being  moreover 

Dymas’s  son  who  in  Phrygia  dwelt  by  Sangarios 
River. 

Taking  that  honored  form,  Apollo  spake  to  him, 
saying:  — 


“Hector,  why  art  thou  shrinking  from  battle?  It 
doth  not  behoove  thee. 

Would  I  were  so  much  the  stronger  than  thou  as  in 
fact  I  am  weaker; 

Then  right  soon  to  thy  hurt  were  this  slinking  a 
coward  from  battle. 

Up,  then,  and  straight  at  Patroklos  urge  on  thy 
strong-footed  horses! 

At  him  and  slay  him!  find  out  if  Apollo  will  victory 
grant  thee.” 


304 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Thus  spake  the  god,  and  departed  again  in  the 
turmoil  of  mortals. 

Then  to  Kebriones  fiery-of-heart  called  glorious  Hector, 

Bidding  him  whip  up  the  horses  and  drive  to  the 
fray;  but  Apollo 

Plunging  into  the  throng  brought  dread  and  dismay 
to  the  Argives, 

Whilst  he  to  Troy  and  to  Hector  made  glory  walk  as 
companion. 

Hector  the  rest  of  the  Danaans  passed,  nor  attempted 
to  slay  them, 

Seeking  Patroklos  only;  and  he,  to  earth,  when  he 
saw  it, 

Sprang  from  his  chariot  down,  and  held  his  spear 
in  his  left  hand, 

Keeping  concealed  in  the  other  a  stone  both  heavy 
and  jagged. 

Bracing  himself  for  the  cast  he  hurled  it,  not  slowly 
either, 

No,  nor  vain  was  the  bolt,  but  Hector’s  charioteer, 

Bastard  son  of  Priam  renowned,  Kebriones,  hit  in 
the  forehead. 

Both  of  his  brows  the  stone  mashed  in,  and  his  eyes 
from  their  sockets 

Fell  in  the  dust  before  him;  and,  stunned,  he  down 
like  a  diver 

Plunged  from  the  chariot  strong,  and  soul  from  body 
departed. 


Book  XYI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


305 


Tauntingly  then  to  the  dead  thou  saidest,  knightly 
Patroklos :  — 

“Look,  right  frisky  this  fellow!  Just  see  how  briskly 
he  diveth! 

Wide  market  he  could  supply  if  at  sea,  in  diving  for 
oysters, 

Leaping  right  down  from  a  ship,  be  the  weather  no 
matter  how  stormy, 

Granting  the  skill  he  displays  by  this  chariot-leap 
be  a  sample. 

Verily  even  in  Troy  the  men  who  are  divers  are 
experts.” 

Whilst  he  was  speaking  Patroklos  had  rushed  for 
Kebrlones  hotly, 

Even  as  rusheth  a  lion  that,  making  assault  on  a 
sheepfold, 

Getteth  sore  hit  in  the  breast,  and  his  very  strength 
is  his  ruin. 

Hector,  the  while,  to  earth  from  his  chariot  sprang 
to  withstand  him. 

Over  Kebrlones,  then,  they  fought  as  a  couple  of  lions 

Fight  on  a  mountain  height  when  both  are  haughty 
of  spirit, 

Both  of  them  hungry,  a  stag  they  have  slain  the  prize 
of  the  contest; 

Bo,  for  Kebrlones’  sake  these  two  dread  terrors  in 

battle, 
vol.  ii.  —  20 


306 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Even  Patroklos,  Menoitios’  son,  and  glorious  Hector, 

Panted  to  slay,  and  their  bronze-shod  spears  knew 
nothing  of  pity. 

Hector  laid  hold  of  Kebrlones’  head,  Patroklos  his 
foot,  to  defend  him 

One,  to  despoil  him  the  other,  and  neither  let  go,  and 
about  them 

Danaans  gathered  and  Trojans,  and  fought  in  tumul¬ 
tuous  battle. 

Even  as  storm- winds  twain,  as  Euros  and  Notos 
contending, 

Strive  in  a  mountain  glen  to  shake  its  luxuriant 
forests, 

Beat  on  the  beech-tree  and  ash,  and  the  smooth  thin 
bark  of  the  cornel, 

Making  them  drive  at  each  other  their  long,  hard, 
tapering  branches, 

All  with  bewildering  din  from  the  pounding  and  crash 
of  the  breakage; 

So  the  Achaians  and  Trojans  dashed  madly  the  one 
at  the  other 

Slaying  and  slain,  and  no  one'  of  the  twain  even 
thought  of  retreating. 

Many  a  keen-edged  spear  fell  over  Kebrlones 
fallen, 

All  about  him  were  death-winged  shafts  flying  hot 
from  the  bowstring, 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


307 


Many  a  ponderous  stone  smote  shields  of  heroes 
undaunted, 

Warring  about  him;  and  there  in  the  dust-storm  and 
whirlwind  of  missiles, 

Great  in  his  greatness  Kebriones  lay,  and  of  chivalry 
dreamed  not. 


Now,  till  the  noontide  sun  had  come  to  the  zenith, 
the  missiles 

Flew  on  both  sides  alike,  and  the  fall  of  the  people 
was  equal; 

But,  when  it  started  its  turn  at  the  time  for  unyoking 
of  oxen, 

Then,  more  than  fate  had  decreed,  the  Achaians  pre¬ 
vailed,  and  the  body 

Drew  both  from  dart  and  from  Trojan  assault,  and 
stripped  it  of  armor; 

Also  Patroklos,  athirst  for  their  blood,  kept  charging 
the  Trojans. 

Thrice  he  charged  on  them  then  with  the  swiftness 
of  Ares  the  war-god, 

Shouting  his  terrible  war-cry,  and  nine  men  thrice 
were  his  victims; 

But,  directly  he  charged  with  godlike  abandon  the 
fourth  time, 

Straightway,  then,  0  Patroklos,  the  end  of  life 
glowered  upon  thee. 


308 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Lo,  it  was  Phoibos  who  met  thee  in  mighty  conflict, 
the  Dire  One: 

Coming  thou  sawest  him  not,  for  hidden  in  darkness 
he  met  thee! 

Halting  Patroklos  behind,  on  his  shoulders  Phoibos 
Apollo 

Smote  him  with  downward  stroke,  and  his  eyes  saw 
everything  whirling. 

Off  from  his  head  flew  the  helmet,  and  under  the  feet 
of  the  horses 

Rolled  and  rattled  away,  that  glorious  helm  that 
aforetime 

Never  was  suffered  to  smear  in  the  dust,  but  adorned 
with  its  splendor 

Brows  of  a  man  divine,  of  Achilles;  but  Zeus  for  the 
moment 

i  • 

Gave  it  to  Hector  to  wear  for  a  space,  for  destruc¬ 
tion  was  nigh  him. 

All  the  long-shadowed  spear  in  the  hands  of  Patroklos 
was  broken, 

Heavy  and  great,  bronze-pointed  and  strong;  and 
off  from  his  shoulders 

Fell  to  the  ground  his  man-covering  shield  with  its 
glittering  baldric. 

Then,  too,  his  mind  gave  way,  and  his  stalwart 
limbs,  and  he  stood  there 

Dazed;  and  a  man  of  the  Trojans,  who  stood  close 
by  and  beheld  him 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


309 


Gave  him  a  spear-thrust  the  shoulders  between;  his 
name  was  Euphorbos, 

Panthoos’  son,  and  surpassed  all  men  of  his  age  at 
the  spear-cast, 

Also  in  swiftness  of  foot,  and  in  horsemanship;  even 
that  very 

Day,  though  unpracticed  in  chariot  fight,  and  of 
warfare  a  learner, 

Twenty  men  had  from  chariot  cast,  and  was  first  with 
his  weapon 

Also  at  thee,  O  Patroklos,  yet  gave  not  thy  death¬ 
blow;  his  spear 

First  he  withdrew,  then  mixed  in  with  the  throng,  not 
even  then  daring 

Face  Patroklos  in  fight  to  the  death,  though  reft  of 
his  armor. 

Then  Patroklos,  subdued  by  the  blow  of  the  god  and 
the  spear-thrust, 

Shrank  back  into  the  Danaan  lines,  avoiding  de¬ 
struction. 


Now,  when  Hector  beheld  great-hearted  Patroklos 
retreating, 

Smit  with  the  bronze,  he  pursued,  and,  o’ertaking, 
gave  him  a  spear-thrust, 

Hitting  the  belly  low  down,  and  drave  clean  through 
him  the  spear-head. 


310 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Down  he  fell  with  a  crash,  and  sorely  the  Danaans 
mourned  him. 

Even  as  boar  untiring  when  crushed  in  fight  by  a 
lion  — 

Both  on  a  mountain  top  contending  in  pride  of  their 
prowess 

Over  a  little  spring  where  both  are  bent  upon  drink¬ 
ing, — 

Dieth  with  many  a  gasp,  overmatched  by  the 
strength  of  the  lion, 

So,  on  the  day  of  his  glory,  the  mighty  son  of  Menoitios 

Fell,  and  Priamides  Hector  of  life  by  a  spear-thrust 
despoiled  him, 

And,  in  his  pride,  thus  boasted  in  winged  words  o’er 
the  fallen:  — 

“O  Patroklos,  in  fancy  thou  saidst  thou  wouldst  cap¬ 
ture  my  city, 

Wrest  from  the  women  of  Troy  the  day  of  their 
freedom  forever, 

Carry  them  off  in  thy  sea-going  ships  to  the  land 
thou  wast  born  in,.. 

Fool  that  thou  wert!  when  before  them  the  swift¬ 
paced  horses  of  Hector 

Stretch  out  their  feet  for  the  fray;  and  I  myself 
with  my  spear 

Stand  a  man  of  renown,  with  the  war-loving  Trojans 
to  back  me, 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


311 


Warding  their  doom,  and,  for  thy  doom,  the  kites  and 
the  vultures  shall  eat  thee. 

Ah,  unhappy,  no  service  was  done  thee  by  mighty 
Achilles 

Skulking  himself  but  sending  thee  forth,  and  charg¬ 
ing  thee  straitly: 

‘Never  return  to  the  Myrmidon  camp,  horse-taming 
Patroklos, 

Not  till  thou  bringest  as  trophy  the  mail  of  man-slay¬ 
ing  Hector 

Stained  with  his  blood,  and  the  breast  torn  through 
by  the  spear-cast  that  slew  him.’ 

That  was  his  fashion  of  talk,  and  thou  wert  a  fool 
and  believed  him.” 

Faint  and  low  this  answer  thou  madest  him,  knightly 
Patroklos :  — 

“Now  is  thine  hour,  0  Hector,  of  triumph;  victory 
o’er  me 

Zeus  son  of  Kronos  hath  given,  and  Apollo ;  they  have 
subdued  me 

Easily;  lo,  it  was  they  who  tore  from  my  shoulders 
the  armor. 

Twenty  such  men  as  thou,  if  all  had  attacked  me 
together, 

All  had  died  on  the  spot  —  my  spear  had  sufficed  to 
subdue  them. 

I  of  accursed  fate  and  Leto’s  son  was  the  victim, 


312 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVI 


Yea,  and  of  men  Euphorbos,  and  thou  wert  third  in 
my  slaying. 

One  thing  more  will  I  tell  thee  to  lay  in  thy  heart  and 
to  ponder,  — 

This,  that  not  long,  not  long,  wilt  thou  live  thyself, 
but  already 

Death  is  stalking  close  by  thee,  and  Fate  that  re¬ 
lents  not,  and  surely 

Fall  thou  must  by  the  hand  of  Aiak^ides,  matchless 
Achilles.” 


Thus  he  spake  and  was  still,  and  the  shadow  of  death 
overspread  him; 

Flitting  away  from  his  limbs  the  soul  descended  to 
Hades, 

Wailing  over  its  doom,  and  manhood  leaving  and 
youthhood. 

Then,  though  he  spake  to  the  dead,  great  Hector 
answered  him,  saying:  — 


“  Wherefore,  Patroklos,  foretellest  thou  me  my 
death  is  impending? 

Who  can  know  but  Achilles,  the  son  of  lovely-haired 
Thetis, 

Under  my  spear  may  fall,  that  foredoomed  is  his 
death,  not  my  death.” 


Book  XVI 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


313 


Thus  he  said,  as  the  spear  he  withdrew  from  the  corse 
of  Patroklos, 

Setting  his  foot  on  the  body,  and  then  for  Autome- 
don  started 

Hoping  to  slay  him;  but  off  and  away  sped  the 
squire  of  Achilles, 

Borne  by  the  horses  immortal,  the  god-given  horses 
of  Peleus. 


c1'  V 


BOOK  XVII 

Not  unmarked  by  Atreides,  the  mighty  in  fight, 
Menelaus, 

Fell  Patroklos  in  battle;  he  straight  in  glittering 
armor 

Strode  to  the  front,  and  the  corse  bestrode,  as  calf 
by  a  heifer 

Lowing  over  her  first-born  and  new  to  the  cares  of  a 
mother. 

So,  in  his  auburn  hair,  Menelaus  stood  over  Pa¬ 
troklos  :  'q 

Spear  in  hand  he  stood,  and  his  shield  held  over  the 
body, 

Ready  to  slay  on  the  spot  whosoever  should  sally 
against  it. 

Equally  keen  was  the  son  of  the  veteran  Panthoos; 
seeing 

Gallant  Patroklos  down,  he  was  there  in  a  moment 
and,  halting, 

Said  in  a  threatening  tone:  —  “Thou  king,  Mene¬ 
laus  Atreides, 

Off!  let  this  body  alone!  Begone  from  the  spoils  of 
the  dead  man! 


Book  XVII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


315 


First  was  I  of  the  Trojans  and  all  the  allies  in  his 
slaying; 

Therefore,  to  lose  not  the  glory  I  earned  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Trojans, 

Go,  that  I  smite  thee  not,  and  of  honey-sweet  life 
dispossess  thee." 


Bursting  with  rage  outspake  Menelaus,  and  answered 
him,  saying: 

“All-father  Zeus,  but  this  is  unseemly,  this  insolent 
bluster ! 

Panthers  are  not  so  audacious,  nor  lions;  no  boar  of 
the  wild-wood, 

Stalking  about  in  malevolent  might  when  his  heart  is 
the  highest, 

Matcheth  these  arrogant  children  of  Panthoos;  one, 
notwithstanding, 

Got  no  good  from  his  youth,  Hyperenor,  tamer  of 
horses, 

When  with  revilings  he  faced  me,  and  said  that  of 
Danaan  warriors 

I  was  the  weakest;  not  on  his  own  feet,  I  ween,  went 
the  braggart 

Home  to  gladden  the  wife  of  his  youth  and  the  par¬ 
ents  who  bred  him. 

So,  too,  be  sure  will  I  wither  thy  might,  if  thou 
darest  to  face  me. 


316 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Off  then!  I  bid  thee  avaunt,  and  into  the  multitude 
vanish, 

Else  thou  wilt  get  into  trouble.  The  fool  knoweth 
after  he 's  done  for." 

Thus  he  spake,  but  persuaded  him  not,  and  prompt 
was  his  answer :  — 

“Now,  without  fail,  Menelaus  Atreides,  a  stern 
retribution 

Suffer  thou  shalt  for  the  brother  thou  slewest,  his 
bride  in  her  chamber 

Widowed,  and  broughtest  our  parents  unspeakable 
sorrow  and  mourning. 

Unto  that  sorrowing  pair  I  should  be  true  stay  of  their 
weeping, 

Granting  I  carry  and  toss  in  their  hands  thy  head 
and  thine  armor. 

Win  or  lose,  the  feat  shall  be  neither  untried  nor  un¬ 
fought  for." 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  threw,  and  his  spear  hit  the 
shield  of  Atreides, 

Yet  it  brake  not  the  bronze,  but  was  bent  in  the 
ponderous  buckler. 

Then  Menelaus,  in  his  turn,  with  prayer  to  Zeus,  the 
All-father, 

Just  as  the  other  drew  back  from  his  stroke,  by  dex¬ 
terous  spear-cast 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


317 


Pierced  his  throat  at  the  base,  and,  adding  the  weight 
of  his  body, 

Followed  the  cast  with  a  thrust  through  the  tender 
neck;  and  Euphorbos 

Fell  to  the  earth  with  a  crash,  and  his  armor  rattled 
about  him. 

Drenched  with  blood  was  his  hair,  which  was  bright 
as  the  hair  of  the  Graces, 

Even  their  glorious  braids  with  gold  and  silver  to 
bind  them. 

Like  as  a  thrifty  young  olive,  a  sapling  by  husband¬ 
men  nurtured, 

Grown  in  a  spot  where  water  aboundeth  and  open  to 
sunshine, 

Waxeth  in  beauty  and  strength;  and  the  quickening 
breezes  of  heaven 

Breathe  on  and  toss  it,  till,  lo,  it  is  white  with  its 
glory  of  blossoms; 

Then,  of  a  sudden,  the  merciless  blast  of  a  mighty 
tornado, 

Twisteth  it  out  from  its  place,  and  layeth  it  low  on 
the  greensward; 

So,  in  piteous  fairness,  the  youth  Euphorbos  was 
lying, 

Slain  by  the  king,  Menelaus  Atreides,  and  stripped 
of  his  armor. 

Like  as  a  lion  that  lairs  in  the  mountains  and, 
haughty  of  spirit, 


318 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Seizeth  a  cow  from  a  herd  as  it  feeds,  and  always 
the  best  one, 

Breaketh  her  neck  in  his  powerful  jaws,  and  drinketh 
her  life-blood 

Greedily,  while  in  confusion  are  dogs  about  him  and 
herdsmen 

Yelling  and  barking,  but  keeping  their  distance,  and 
none  of  the  party 

Dareth  approach  the  intruder,  and  pale  are  their 
faces  with  terror; 

So  no  man  of  the  Trojans  had  nerve  to  face  Menelaus. 

Easily,  then,  had  Atreides  made  spoil  of  the  arms  of 
Euphorbos 

Save  that  Apollo  begrudged  him  the  glory,  and 
roused  to  oppose  him 

Hector,  the  mighty  in  battle;  for,  taking  the  form 
of  a  mortal, 

Even  of  Mentes,  who  led  the  Kikonians,  Phoibos 
Apollo 

Fired  him  with  winged  words,  and  spake  to  him 
warningly ,  saying :  — 

teg 

“Lo,  now,  thou  art  pursuing  things  quite  unattain¬ 
able,  Hector, 

Seeking  to  capture  the  horses  of  headstrong  Achilles; 
for  mortals 

Hard  are  those  horses  to  master  or  drive,  at  least  to 
another 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


319 


Saying  Achilles  himself,  who  was  born  of  a  mother 
immortal. 

Stout  Menelaus  the  while  is  defending  Patroklos, 
and  further 

Slain  the  best  of  the  Trojans,  Euphorbos,  and  ended 
his  prowess.” 

Thus  spake  the  god,  and  vanished  again  in  the  con¬ 
flict  of  heroes. 

Keen  were  the  pangs  that  thronged  the  darkening 
spirit  of  Hector, 

And,  as  he  peered  down  the  ranks,  Menelaus  he  saw 
in  a  moment 

Stripping  the  glorious  arms  from  the  fallen,  the  other 
one  lying 

Dead  on  the  field;  and  blood  from  the  wound  that 
slew  him  was  running. 

Straight  to  the  front  of  the  fray  sped  Hector  in 
glittering  armor, 

Shouting,  and  sharp  was  his  terrible  cry,  as  towards 
him  he  fiercely 

Rushed  like  the  quenchless  flame  of  Hephaistos; 
Prince  Menelaus 

Heard,  and  he  said  in  his  heart  which  was  throbbing 
with  bitter  emotion:  — 

“  Shame  is  to  me  if  I  leave  in  this  strait  this  glorious 
armor, 


320 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Also  Patroklos  abandon,  a  man  who  perished  for  my 
sake  — 

Shame  in  the  eyes  of  the  Danaan  host,  whoever  shall 
see  it. 

Yet,  if  from  shame  I  remain  and  fight  with  the  Tro¬ 
jans  and  Hector, 

One  it  will  be  against  many,  for  Hector  is  leading  his 
army. 

.Why  thus  debateth  my  soul?  Who  fighteth  a  man 
heaven-honored 

Fighteth  with  heaven,  and  straightway  his  day  of 
calamity  cometh. 

No  man,  then,  of  the  Danaan  host  will  blame  me, 
whoever 

Seeth  me  shrinking  from  Hector’s  assault,  for  gods 
are  behind  him. 

Would  I  could  somewhere  see  Aias,  or  hear  his  in¬ 
spiriting  war-cry, 

Then,  we  both  would  return  to  the  fight  though  the 
gods  were  against  us, 

Hoping  to  rescue  the  body,  the  best  thing  now  to  be 
tried  for.” 


While  he  was  musing  the  Trojans  came  on,  and  Hec¬ 
tor  was  leading. 

Step  by  step  Menelaus  gave  ground,  and  abandoned 
the  body, 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


321 


Ofttimes  turning  and  looking  behind,  as  a  strong- 
bearded  lion 

Looketh  when  dogs  and  men  with  spears  and  threat¬ 
ening  outcries 

Drive  him  away  from  a  sheep-fold,  the  mighty  heart 
in  his  bosom 

Maddened  to  think  of  retreat,  and  he  goeth  slow  and 
reluctant; 

So,  in  his  auburn  hair,  Menelaus  abandoned  Pa- 
troklos. 

When  he  had  come  to  the  Danaan  lines  he  halted 
and,  turning, 

Scanned  the  field  to  descry  Telamonian  Aias,  and 
quickly 

Saw  him,  off  on  the  left  of  the  fray,  exhorting  his 
soldiers, 

Seeing  Apollo  upon  them  had  cast  indescribable 
panic. 

Thither  for  Aias  he  went  on  the  run,  and  called  to 
him,  saying:  — 


“  Aias,  my  friend,  come  hither  with  me,  and  for  fallen 
Patroklos 

Let  us  make  desperate  fight,  and  the  body  restore  to 
Achilles, 

Naked,  ’t  is  true,  for  the  armor  is  lost  and  the  booty 
of  Hector.” 

VOL.  II  —  21 


322 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Thus  he  spake;  andAias’s  heart  was  fired  to  attempt  it, 

And,  with  stout  Menelaus,  went  up  where  the  fore¬ 
most  were  fighting. 

Now  when  Hector  had  stripped  from  Patroklos  his 
glorious  armor, 

Halting  apart  from  the  dolorous  fight  he  decided  to 
wear  it, 

Giving  his  own  to  retainers  to  carry  apace  to  the  city. 

So  the  armor  immortal  he  donned,  god-given  toPeleus. 

This,  when  Peleus  was  old,  he  gave  to  his  son,  to 
Achilles  — 

Never,  alas,  himself  to  grow  old  in  the  arms  of  his 
father ! 

When  from  afar  great  Zeus  who  darkeneth  heaven 
beheld  him 

Donning  this  armor,  he  nodded  his  head  porten¬ 
tously,  saying :  — 

“Ah,  unhappy!  in  no  wise  is  death  in  thy  thought, 
but ’t  is  coming, 

Oh,  how  nigh!  and  thou  wearest  the  god-given  arms 
of  a  hero 

Strongest  of  human  kind,  and  all  men  tremble  before 
him. 

Yea,  his  comrade  trusty  and  stout  thou  slewest,  nor 
meetly 

Seized  on  his  arms;  but  to-day  I  will  grant  thee  glory 
exceeding, 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


323 


So  to  requite  thee  who  never  again  shalt  return  from 
the  battle, 

Nay,  nor  place  in  Andromache’s  hands  this  glorious 
armor.” 

Thus,  in  his  heart,  spake  Zeus  Kronlon,  as  darkly 
he  nodded, 

Made  the  armor  to  fit,  and  Ares,  the  terrible  war-god, 
Entered  the  body  of  Hector,  and  filled  him  with 
vigor  and  courage. 

Forth  he  stepped  to  the  stedfast  allies  and,  shouting 
exultant, 

Very  Ares1  he  seemed,  all  aflame  in  the  arms  of  Achilles. 
Then,  he,  in  winged  words,  called  out  and  exhorted 
them,  saying:  — 

“  Hearken,  ye  myriad  tribes,  allies,  and  neighboring 
peoples, 

Not  mere  numbers  I  sought  when  I  gathered  ye  in 
from  your  cities, 

1  Some  understand  this  passage  to  mean  that  he  looked 
like  Achilles  when  clad  in  his  armor,  others  that  he  showed 
himself  in  the  arms  of  Achilles  —  both  admittedly  weak 
interpretations,  and  explained  on  the  ground  that  the  wearing 
of  Achilles’  armor  by  Patroklos  and  all  that  follows  incident 
thereto  was  an  addition  to  the  poem  by  an  unknown  hand. 
Even  so  it  was  the  hand  of  a  master;  and  tills  passage 
should  be  given  the  best  interpretation  permitted  by  the 
text.  My  rendering,  that  Hector  looked  like  Ares,  seems 
to  me  not  unwarranted;  and  it  certainly  gives  these  lines 
significance. 


324 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Nay,  but  zealous  defenders  to  fight  for  our  wives  and 
our  children. 

Just  to  that  end,  for  your  pay  and  your  food  I  bur¬ 
den  my  people, 

So  that  ye  all  may  have  heart  in  the  work  and  your 
spirit  be  greater. 

Now,  then,  turn  ye  with  front  to  the  foe,  to  survive 
or  to  perish; 

That  is  the  love-making  warfare  exacts;  and  who¬ 
ever  among  you 

DraggethPatroklosdead  inside  the  lines  of  the  Trojans, 

Forcing  Aias  to  yield  him,  his  honor  and  mine  shall  be 
equal  — 

He  having  half  of  the  dead  man’s  spoils,  I  keeping 
the  other.” 

Ceasing,  they  lifted  their  spears,  and  heavily  charged 
on  the  Argives, 

Hoping  to  capture  the  body  from  great  Telamonian 
Aias, 

Fools!  for  over  that  body  he  spilled  the  life-blood  of 
many. 

Then,  for  the  moment  disheartened,  he  said  to  Prince 
Menelaus :  — 

“0  Menelaus,  O  comrade,  our  chance  of  returning 
from  battle, 

Even  ourselves  not  to  speak  of  the  body,  I  hope  for 
no  longer. 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


325 


Less  I  fear  for  Patroklos,  for  dogs  and  kites  will 
devour  him, 

Less  than  I  fear  for  my  own  dear  head,  and  thine, 
Menelaus, 

Seeing  that  Hector,  that  storm-cloud  of  battle,  en- 
velopeth  all  things. 

Sheer  death  looketh  us  straight  in  the  face.  Rouse 
up,  Menelaus; 

Call  to  our  aid  the  Danaan  chieftains,  whoever  may 
hear  thee.” 

Thus  he  said,  and  at  once  Menelaus,  good  at  the 
war-cry, 

Shouted  at  top  of  his  voice  in  appeal  to  the  Danaans, 
saying:  — 

“Leaders  and  princes  of  Argos,  and  all  who  obey  the 
Atreidai  — 

King  Agamemnon  and  me,  Menelaus  —  ye  chiefs  of 
the  army 

Holding  your  honors  from  Zeus,  and  who  drink  at 
expense  of  the  public  — 

I  cannot  see  in  this  dire  conflagration  of  battle  to 
name  ye  — 

Come  one  and  all,  wait  not  to  be  asked,  in  hot  in¬ 
dignation 

Thinking  that  haply  Patroklos  might  feed  the  dogs 
of  the  Trojans.” 


326 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


First  to  hear  and  respond  was  Aias,  son  of  Oileus: 

Next  Idomeneus  came,  and,  mighty  as  Ares  the  war- 
god, 

Also  Meriones  with  him,  his  comrade-in-arms;  and 
then  others, 

All  too  many  for  mortal  to  name,  rushed  up  to  the 
rescue. 

Massed  for  the  onset  the  Trojans  came  on,  and  Hec¬ 
tor  was  leading; 

Then  like  the  roar  and  the  dash  at  the  mouth  of  a 
heaven-fallen  river, 

There  where  its  boisterous  current  meets  waves 
dashing  in  from  the  ocean, 

Wild  seas  seething  without,  and  the  tall  shores  bel¬ 
low  its  thunder  — 

Deafening  thus  was  the  shock  as  Danaans  grappled 
with  Trojans. 

First  the  Trojans  prevailed,  and  drave  the  dark-eyed 
Achaians, 

Beating  them  off  from  the  body.  They  fled,  but  only 
a  moment, 

Seeing  that  Aias  kept  turning  them  back,  magnificent 
Aias, 

Goodliest  man  of  the  Danaans  all  in  fight  and  ap¬ 
pearance, 

All  save  matchless  Achilles;  he,  now,  to  the  front 
of  the  fighting 


Book  XVII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


327 


Backward  would  turn  like  a  boar  of  the  wood  which, 
attacked  in  the  mountains, 

Wheeleth  on  hunters  and  hounds,  and  they  scatter 
apace  to  the  dingles; 

So  Telamonian  Aias  turned  swiftly  and  scattered 
the  Trojans 

Hovering  over  Patroklos,  albeit  they  fondly  ex¬ 
pected 

Both  to  prevail  in  the  end,  and  hale  the  corse  to  the 
city. 

Fiercely  the  combatants  all  day  long  fought  desper¬ 
ate  battle; 

Drenched  were  their  limbs  and  blinded  their  eyes 
with  the  sweat  of  the  conflict 

Over  the  mighty  dead,  and  their  strong  frames  spent 
with  its  labor. 

Even  as  when  a  bull's-hide  tough  a  chief  of  the  people 

Giveth  retainers  to  stretch,  first  smeared  with  fat  for 
the  purpose, 

Standing  apart  in  a  circle  they  take  it  and  stretch  it, 
and  straightway 

Out  flows  the  juice,  the  fat  strikes  in,  and  the  stretch¬ 
ing  is  thorough; 

So  the  combatants  both,  packed  close,  strained  hard 
on  the  body, 

Dragging  it  this  way  and  that;  and  both  parties 
equally  hopeful, 


328 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Trojans  to  hale  it  to  Troy,  to  the  hollow  ships  the 
Achaians. 

Wild  was  the  tumult;  had  Ares  himself  and  Pallas 
Athena 

Both  been  watching,  their  partisan  1  souls  aflame  for 
the  contest, 

Neither  had  found  any  fault,  so  bitter  and  close  was 
the  struggle 

Zeus,  that  terrible  day,  outspread  for  men  and  for 
horses 

Over  Patroklos.  Achilles  the  while  knew  nought 
that  had  happened, 

Seeing  the  conflict  was  far  from  the  camp  by  the  wall 
of  the  Trojans, 

Never  once  dreamed  that  Patroklos  would  capture 
the  city  without  him, 

No,  nor  with  him;  for  many  a  time  his  mother  in 
secret 

Told  him  what  Zeus  had  determined;  but  this,  the 
woe  that  had  happened, 

This  she  withheld,  and  told  not  his  dearest  com¬ 
panion  had  fallen. 

Over  the  body,  their  spears  in  their  hands,  the  com¬ 
batants  madly 

Lunged  at  each  other  and  slew;  and  Achaian  said 
to  Achaian :  — 


1  Athena  favored  the  Achaians  and  Ares  the  Trojans. 


Book  XVII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


329 


“ Friend,  no  glory  to  us  to  return  to  our  barracks; 
nay,  rather 

Black  earth  yawn  for  us  here !  ’t  were  better,  very 
much  better, 

Rather  than  yield  to  the  horse-taming  Trojans,  de¬ 
feated,  and  let  them 

Victory  win,  and  in  triumph  this  body  hale  to  their 
city." 

Over  against  them  the  Trojan  in  like  heart  said  to 
his  neighbor :  — 

“  Friend,  though  it  be  our  fate  to  perish  over  this 
body, 

All  of  us,  man  upon  man,  let  no  soul  shrink  from  the 
battle." 

Thus  spake  Trojan  and  Danaan  both;  and  his  com¬ 
rades,  emboldened, 

Fought  with  a  spirit  according;  and  clang  like  the 
ringing  of  iron 

Rose  to  a  heaven  of  bronze  through  the  paths  of  the 
verdureless  ether. 

Now,  apart  from  the  conflict,  the  horses  immortal 
of  Peleus 

Wept,  and  ceased  not  to  weep  when  they  saw  their 
charioteer 

Fallen  prone  in  the  dust  at  the  hands  of  man-slaying 
Hector. 


330 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Smartly,  be  sure,  had  Automedon’s  whip  been 
wielded  to  start  them; 

Afterwards  coaxing  he  tried,  and  then  he  had  sworn 
at  them  roundly, 

All  three  many  times  over,  but  not  one  jot  nor  a  tittle 
Budged  they,  and  neither  would  go  to  the  Hellespont- 
shore  nor  to  battle. 

Nay,  as  firm  as  a  pillar  set  up  on  the  tomb  of  a  dead 
man, 

So  they  stood  stock  still,  and  held  the  chariot  likewise, 
Crowding  their  heads  to  the  ground;  and  hot  tears 
flowed  from  their  eyelids, 

Weeping  Patroklos  —  their  glorious  manes  escaped 
from  the  cushion 

Fallen  both  sides  the  yoke,  and  defiled  with  the  dust 
of  their  mourning.1 

Sorrowing  thus  were  the  twain,  and  Kronion,  be¬ 
holding  with  pity, 

Said  in  his  heart  as  he  nodded  his  head  with  thought¬ 
ful  compassion:  — 

1  The  Homeric  man  in  token  of  mourning  poured  dust  on 
his  head.  As  the  immortal  horses  could  not  do  this  they  ac¬ 
complished  the  same  purpose  by  crowding  their  heads  into 
the  earth.  Oddly  enough  I  find  no  authority  for  this  inter¬ 
pretation,  which  is  manifestly  the  true  one.  Near  the  end  of 
Book  XIX  in  a  similar  passage  the  horse  Xanthos  hangs  his 
head  in  abasement;  but  the  verb  used  here  is  elsewhere  ap¬ 
plied  to  a  spear  driven  into  the  earth  with  such  violence  that 
the  spear-shaft  quivers. 


Book  XVII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


331 


“  Ah!  ye  unhappy  pair!  Why,  why  did  we  give  you 
to  Peleus? 

Why  to  a  mortal  man,  when  ageless  are  ye  and 
immortal? 

Was  it  that  you  might  share  in  the  woes  of  your 
suffering  masters? 

Yea,  for  of  all  things  that  be  on  the  earth,  all  that 
breatheth  and  creepeth, 

Naught  is  more  wretched  than  man;  but  you  and  the 
beautiful  chariot, 

High-plumed  Hector  shall  drive  not  nor  ride,  —  I 
will  never  permit  it. 

Is 't  not  enough  how  he  vaunteth  himself  in  the 
god-given  armor? 

Yea,  now,  their  wonted  strength  I  restore  to  your 
knees  and  your  spirit, 

So  ye  may  bear  from  the  battle  Automedon  safe  to 
the  shipping, 

Seeing  I  still,  till  the  sun  goeth  down,  and  darkness 
is  on  us, 

Grant  the  Trojans  to  slay,  even  back  to  the  Danaan 
galleys." 


Thus  he  spake;  and  the  horses,  inspired  with  a  new 
resolution, 

Shook  the  dust  from  their  manes,  and  briskly  sped 
to  the  battle. 


332 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Over  Patroklos,  again,  had  stretched  the  furious 
conflict, 

Hard-fought,  terrible,  roused  by  Athena  descended 
from  heaven. 

Like  to  the  amethyst  bow  Zeus  stretcheth  to  mortals 
from  heaven, 

Either  an  omen  of  war  or  of  wintry  storm  which 
compelleth 

Man  to  cease  from  his  labors,  and  beasts  of  the  field 
it  distresseth: 

So,  enwrapped  in  an  amethyst-cloud,  she  plunged  in 
the  contest. 

First  Menelaus  she  heartened,  for  nigh  him  she 
haply  alighted, 

Taking  the  shape  and  unwearying  voice  of  the  vet¬ 
eran,  Phoinix :  —  ^ . 

“  Thine,  Menelaus,  will  be  the  reproach  and  the 
shame  if  Patroklos, 

Faithful  squire  of  Achilles,  be  torn  by  the  dogs  of 
the  Trojans. 

Up,  then!  Mightily  set  on  the  foe,  and  inspirit  thy 
comrades!” 

Then,  for  answer,  responds  Menelaus  good  at  the 
war-cry :  — 

“Phoinix,  time-honored  sire  of  the  past,  I  would  that 
Athena 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


333 


Masterly  might  would  vouchsafe,  and  fend  me  from 
missiles;  in  that  case 

Glad  would  I  be  to  stand  by  and  protect  him;  the 
death  of  Patroklos 

Deeply  toucheth  my  heart;  but  Hector  like  ravening 
fire 

Never  ceaseth'to  slay,  for  Zeus  maketh  glory  attend 
him.” 


Thus  he  spake,  and  glad  was  the  goddess,  bright¬ 
eyed  Athena, 

Seeing  he  named  her  first  of  the  gods,  and  his  knees 
and  his  shoulders 

Strengthened,  and  put  in  his  heart  a  fly’s  invincible 
daring, 

Which,  though  driven  again  and  again  from  the  flesh 
of  its  victim, 

Still  returneth  and  biteth,  and  blood  of  man  is  its 
dainty : 

Instinct  with  daring  like  that  Menelaus,  bestriding 
Patroklos, 

Cast  his  spear  with  a  will.  Now,  a  man  there  was  of 
the  Trojans, 

Podes,  Eetion’s  son,  both  rich  and  headmost  in  fight¬ 
ing, 

Honored  by  Hector  as  comrade-in-arms  and  as  table 
companion; 


334 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Him,  as  he  started  to  flee,  Menelaus  hit  in  the 
girdle, 

Driving  the  spear  clean  through.  He  fell  with  a  crash; 
and  his  slayer 

Dragged  the  dead  man  1  away  from  under  the  eyes 
of  the  Trojans. 


Taking  the  guise  of  a  guest-friend  of  Hector  who 
dwelt  in  Abydos, 

Phainops,  Asios’  son,  Apollo  admonished  him, 
saying:  — 


“  Hector,  what  other  Achaian  will  shrink  from  thee 
longer  who  shunnest 

Such  as  is  this  Menelaus,  no  great  as  a  warrior  afore¬ 


time, 


1 


Yet  hath  he  now  all  alone,  right  under  the  nose  of  the 
Trojans, 

Taken  the  dead  man  and  gone,  and  hath  slain  thy 
trusty  companion, 

Podes,  Eetion’s  son,  a  fighter  who  fought  with  the 
foremost.” 


-o 


1  The  original  has  the  same  ambiguity  as  the  translation 
as  to  which  dead  man  is  meant;  but  it  must  have  been 
Patroklos,  whose  body  up  to  this  time  certainly  was  not  in  the 
possession  of  the  Achaians,  but  was  so  during  the  remainder 
of  the  book.  This  interpretation  also  gives  some  significance 
to  the  coming  of  Athena. 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


335 


Thus  said  Apollo;  and  Hector,  o’erswept  with  a  tem¬ 
pest  of  sorrow, 

Sped  to  the  front  of  the  fight  enveloped  in  glittering 
armor; 

Right  then  Kronides  Zeus  laid  hold  of  his  many- 
fringed  aegis 

Shining,  and  Ida  enveloped  in  clouds,  and  hurling  his 
lightning 

Mightily  thundered,  the  broad  earth  shook,  and  in 
haughty  dominion 

Victory  gave  to  the  Trojans,  and  smote  the  Achaians 
with  panic. 


First  Peneleos  started  the  flight,  a  Boeotian  chief¬ 
tain, 

Hit  by  a  spear  in  the  shoulder  while  fronting  the  foe, 
and  the  spear-point 

Grazed  the  bone — by  Poly  dramas  cast  who  had  come 
close  beside  him. 

Lei'tos,  next,  the  son  of  Alek'tryon,  Hector  dis¬ 
abled, 

Piercing  his  hand  by  the  wrist,  so  the  spear  he  longer 
could  wield  not; 

Then  Idomeneus,  aiming  at  Hector  at  Leitos  dart¬ 
ing, 

Smote  his  breastplate  of  bronze,  but  the  spear- head 
brake  at  its  socket. 


336 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Loudly  shouted  the  Trojans;  and  then  Idomeneus 
straightway 

Hastened  to  mount  on  Meriones’  car,  for  the  former 
to  battle 

Started  on  foot;  and  Hector  let  drive  at  him  whilst 
he  was  mounting. 

Him  he  narrowly  missed  —  great  triumph  to  Troy 
had  he  slain  him, 

Ancient  Deukalion’s  son,  —  but  Koranos,  chariot¬ 
eer, 

Hit  in  the  jaw,  and  the  teeth  and  the  tongue  he  clave 
with  the  spear-point. 

Thus  he  Idomeneus  saved,  but  his  own  life  lost  in 
the  saving. 

Down  from  the  car  he  dropped,  and  the  reins  flew 
wide,  but  his  master, 

Even  Meriones,  gathered  them  up  and  Idomeneus 
ordered :  — 

“Lay  on  briskly,  nor  cease  till  we  come  to  our  ships 
and  encampment! 

Even  thyself  canst  see  that  success  hath  deserted 
the  Argives.” 

Thus  he  said;  and  the  heavy-maned  steeds  Idom- 
meneus  wildly 

Lashed  to  the  hollow  ships,  for  his  soul  was  shaken 
with  terror. 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


337 


Now,  that  the  tide  of  the  battle  had  turned,  and 
victory  shifted, 

Scaped  not  the  war-trained  eyes  of  Aias  and  stout 
Menelaus. 

First  of  the  twain  to  speak  was  great  Telamonian 
Aias :  — 


“  Surely,  the  veriest  fool  would  know  Zeus  aideth 
the  Trojans, 

Seeing  their  shafts  all  hit,  whether  brave  men  cast 
them  or  cowards; 

Zeus  directeth  all  theirs,  —  all  ours  strike  earth, 
ineffective. 

Come,  let  us  frame  some  plan  by  ourselves  for  re¬ 
turning  this  body, 

Aye,  and  returning  ourselves,  to  the  joy  of  our  anx¬ 
ious  companions 

Now  looking  hither  with  dread,  nor  expecting  that 
man-slaying  Hector’s 

Might  and  invincible  hands  can  long  be  kept  from 
the  shipping. 

Would  some  comrade  were  here  to  carry  the  news  to 
Achilles, 

Seeing  he  wist  not,  I  ween,  that  his  loved  Patroklos 
hath  perished. 

Scan  the  battlefield,  King  Menelaus,  haply  to  find 
there, 
vol.  ii — 22 


338 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Young  Antilochos  living,  the  son  of  illustrious 
Nestor. 

Send  him  with  speed  to  say  to  Achilles  his  comrade 
is  fallen.” 

Suiting  action  to  word,  away  went  blond  Menelaus, 

Peering  in  every  direction  as  peereth  an  eagle, 
reputed 

Keenest  sighted  of  birds,  which,  sailing  aloft  in  the 
heavens, 

Still  never  faileth  to  see  the  fleet-footed  hare  as  he 
croucheth 

Deep  in  the  leaves  of  a  thicket  he  seeketh  for  shelter, 
but  on  him 

Pounceth,  and  taketh  his  life;  such  then  wert  thou, 
Menelaus, 

Such  was  the  gleam  of  thine  eyes  as  they  roved 
through  the  host  of  thy  comrades, 

Searching  if  thou  mightest  find  there  the  son  of 
Nestor  still  living. 

Him  he  quickly  descried  far  off  on  the  left  of  the 
battle, 

Urging  his  men  to  fight,  and  promptly  spake  to  him, 
saying:  — 

“  Prince  Antilochos,  hither  a  moment,  and  terrible 
tidings 

Hear,  and  would  it  had  never  befallen!  Thou  seest 
that  heaven, 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


339 


Even  thyself  I  ween,  on  the  Danaans  rolleth  dis¬ 
aster, 

Victory  giving  to  Troy;  but  the  chief  of  Achaians  is 
fallen, 

Even  Patroklos,  and  great  is  the  grief  it  hath  wrought 

in  the  armv. 

« 

Haste  thee,  and  go  on  the  run  to  the  Danaan  ships 
with  the  tidings, 

Hoping  Achilles  will  speedily  aid  us  to  rescue  the 
body 

Reft  of  the  arms,  which  crest-waving  Hector  now 
weareth  in  triumph.” 

Thus  he  said;  and,  hearing  his  word,  Antilochos 
longtime 

Stood  there,  eyes  full  of  tears,  and  speechless  with 
grief  and  with  horror. 

Still,  even  thus,  he  failed  not  to  heed  Menelaus’s 
bidding, 

Handed  his  arms  to  a  comrade,  and  started  apace  on 
his  errand. 

Back  to  the  Aiases  twain  Menelaus  returned,  and 
reported:  — 

“  Yonder  youth  have  I  sent  to  the  ships  with  word  to 
Achilles, 

Yet  no  aid  will  he  give  us,  I  ween,  though  bitterly 
angered, 


340 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Seeing  he  cannot,  unarmed,  come  forth  to  war  with 
the  Trojans. 

We,  as  we  can,  must  devise  by  ourselves  to  rescue 
the  body, 

Aye,  and  our  own  lives  save  from  the  deadly  assaults 
of  the  Trojans.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  chief,  Telamonian 
Aias : — 

“  Right  thou  art,  Menelaus;  do  thou  and  Meriones 
straightway 

Lift  to  your  shoulders  the  body,  and  haste  with  it  out 
of  the  turmoil. 

We,  two,  Aias  O'ileus  and  I,  from  behind  will  defend 
you, 

We  who  are  brothers  in  spirit  and  name,  and  oft 
have  aforetime 

Stood  up  shoulder  to  shoulder  repelling  the  onsets 
of  Ares.” 

Suiting  action  to  word  they,  twining  their  arms  round 
the  body, 

Raised  it  aloft;  and,  seeing  the  deed,  the  Trojans 
behind  them 

Shouted  amain  and  the  bearers  pursued.  As  the 
hounds  of  a  hunter 

Dash  on  a  boar  that  is  wounded,  determined  to  tear 
him  in  pieces, 


Book  XVII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


341 


But,  when  he  feeleth  his  strength  and  whirleth 
against  them,  they  scatter: 

So,  for  a  time,  all  Troy  in  a  pack  was  running  about 
them, 

Smiting  with  swords  and  with  spears;  but  the 
Aiases,  suddenly  wheeling, 

Always  brought  them  to  halt,  and  pale  grew  their 
faces,  and  no  man 

Ventured  to  forge  by  them  to  the  front,  and  fight  for 
the  body. 


While  thus  struggled  the  twain  to  carry  the  dead  from 
the  battle, 

Wild  raved  the  conflict  about  them,  as  fire  leaping 
down  on  a  city, 

Suddenly  started,  which  flameth  apace,  and  madly 
it  roareth 

Under  the  power  of  the  wind;  and,  mightily  glaring 
and  swooping, 

Houses  crumble  and  vanish  before  it  in  dire  con¬ 
flagration; 

Such  was  the  tumult  and  din  of  horses  and  men  round 
the  bearers. 

They,  like  mules  straining  all  their  strength  as  they 
drag  from  a  mountain 

Over  a  difficult  spot  ship-timber  or  beam,  and  their 
spirit 


342 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVII 


Flags  with  the  toil,  and  sweat  poureth  down  as  they 
press  through  the  thickets, 

So  they  labored  to  carry  the  body.  Behind  them  a 
bulwark 

Strong  were  the  Aiases  twain;  and  as  wooded  ridge 
in  a  valley 

Foileth  the  onset  of  turbulent  rivers,  which,  all 
unavailing, 

Strive  to  rend  it  in  sunder  and,  baffled,  otherwhere 
wander, 

So  the  Aiases  ever  forced  back  the  assaults  of  the 
Trojans. 

Yet  they  followed  them  close,  and  two  were  specially 
active, 

Even  Aineias,  son  of  Anchises,  and  glorious  Hector. 

Even  as  clouds  of  starlings  and  daws,  confusedly 
screaming, 

Flee  when  a  hawk  draweth  nigh,  —  that  bearer  of 
death  to  the  puny  — 

So  the  Danaan  youth,  when  Hector  came  nigh  and 
Aineias, 

Shrieked  with  dismay,  their  courage  forgat,  and  fled 
in  a  panic. 

Many  the  glorious  arms  along  by  the  ditch  that  were 
scattered, 

Thrown  away  in  their  flight,  and  the  war  knew 
naught  of  cessation. 


BOOK  XVIII 


Thus  were  they  fighting  like  ravening  fire,  as  Antil- 
ochos  duly 

Came  with  hurrying  feet  his  tidings  to  bear  to 
Achilles; 

Stationed  in  front  of  his  straight-horned  ships  Antil- 
ochos  found  him 

Filled  with  anxious  forebodings  of  all  that  in  truth 
had  befallen. 

Greatly  perturbed,  to  his  tempest-tossed  soul  he 
inwardly  muttered :  — 


“Woe,  ah,  woe  is  to  me!  why  again  are  the  long¬ 
haired  Achaians 

Leaving  the  field  in  disorderly  rout,  and  running 
for  shelter? 

Fallen,  too  surely  is  fallen,  the  mighty  son  of  Men- 
oitios, 

Headstrong!  yet  straitly  I  bade  him,  when  saved 
from  fire  was  the  shipping, 

March  straight  back  into  camp,  not  hazard  a  combat 
with  Hector.” 


344 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


While  in  his  heart  and  soul  were  tossed  these  bodings 
of  mischief, 

Up  came  running  before  him  the  son  of  illustrious 
Nestor, 

Hot  tears  streaming  adown,  and  told  his  message  of 
sorrow :  — 

“  Woe  is  to  me,  son  of  Peleus,  that  I  am  the  bearer  of 
tidings 

Bitter  for  thee  to  hear,  —  and  would  it  had  never 
befallen! 

Dead  on  the  field  is  Patroklos,  the  fighting  is  now 
for  the  body, 

Stripped  of  the  arms,  which  crest-waving  Hector 
now  weareth  in  triumph.” 

1' 

Thus  he  spake,  and  a  storm-cloud  of  anguish  en¬ 
shrouded  Achilles. 

Wildly  in  both  of  his  hands  he,  clutching  the  soot 
from  the  embers, 

Poured  it  adown  his  head,  and  his  comely  face  was 
disfigured, 

While,  on  his  perfumed  doublet,  fell  thick  the  grime 
of  the  ashes. 

Stretched  in  the  dust  was  his  princely  form  and, 
great  in  his  greatness, 

Lay  he  and  tore  his  hair,  his  own  hands  marring  its 
beauty. 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


345 


Then  the  women  Patroklos  and  he  had  taken  as 
captives 

Frantic,  with  piercing  shrieks  came  running  out  from 
their  quarters, 

Flocked  round  mighty  Achilles,  and  all  in  a  blaze  of 
excitement 

Beat  their  breasts  with  their  hands,  and  the  limbs 
grew  faint  underneath  them. 

Wailing,  before  him  Antilochos  stood,  and  with  tears 
fast  falling, 

Held  the  hands  of  Achilles,  whose  whole  frame 
writhed  in  his  anguish, 

Seeing  he  feared  that  Achilles  might  cleave  his  neck 
with  the  iron.1 

Dreadful  to  hear  were  his  groans;  and  the  queenly 
goddess,  his  mother, 

Heard  in  the  depths  of  the  sea  where  she  sat  by  her 
father,  the  Ancient. 

Loudly  she  wailed  in  return;  and  the  sea-nymphs 
gathered  about  her, 

All,  as  many  as  dwell  in  the  deeps,  fair  daughters  of 
Nereus  — 

All,  till  the  silver  cavern  was  full;  and  the  throng  all 
together 

Beat  their  breasts,  while  Thetis  led  off  in  her  story 
of  sorrow:  — 

1  The  only  suggestion  of  suicide  in  the  Iliad. 


346 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


“Hearken,  Nereid  sisters,  and  know  my  woes  in 
their  fullness. 

Woe  is  me,  unhappy!  a  blest  but  unfortunate 
mother ! 

Blest,  abundantly  blest,  in  a  son  that  is  matchless 
and  mighty, 

Chivalry’s  very  flower!  The  boy  ran  up  like  a  sap- 
ling, 

And,  when  grown,  like  a  sturdy  stalk  on  the  slope  of 
a  vineyard, 

Hither  I  sent  him  to  Troy  to  war  with  the  Trojans, 
and  never, 

Never  shall  welcome  him  back  to  his  childhood-home 
'  a  survivor. 

That  is  not  all:  even  now  while  he  liveth  and  seeth 
the  sunlight 

Woes  keep  coming,  and  go  as  I  may  I  am  powerless  to 
help  him. 

Going  I  am,  notwithstanding,  to  look  at  my  boy,  and 
discover 

What  new  sorrow  betideth  him  now,  though  keeping 
from  battle.” 

Suiting  action  to  word  she  left  the  cavern,  and  with  her 

Went  her  companions  in  tears  with  the  sea-waves 
breaking  about  them. 

Up  on  the  Trojan  beach  they  trooped,  where  the 
Myrmidon  galleys 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


347 


Lay  close  together,  drawn  up  on  the  shore,  and  en¬ 
circled  Achilles. 

Heavily  groaning  he  lay,  and  anigh  him  the  goddess, 
his  mother, 

Drew  with  a  piercing  cry,  and  her  son's  head  clasped 
to  her  bosom, 

And,  with  a  mother’s  yearning,  spake  winged  words 
to  him,  saying:  — 

“Why,  my  child,  art  thou  weeping?  what  sorrow 
thy  heart  hath  invaded? 

Tell  it,  and  nothing  conceal;  the  word  of  Zeus  is 
accomplished 

Surely,  —  all  that  thou  prayed  for  aforetime,  that, 
hemmed  in  their  shipping 

Needing  thine  aid,  the  Achaians  might  suffer  dis¬ 
grace  and  disaster." 

Then,  and  he  heavily  groaned,  Achilles  answered  her, 
saying :  — 

“Yea,  all  that  the  Olympian  lord  hath  done  as  I 
prayed  him, 

Yet,  what  sweetness  to  me,  now  my  trusty  comrade 
hath  perished, 

Even  Patroklos,  the  one  that  I  loved  more  than  all 
his  companions, 

Even  as  mine  own  life!  he  is  fallen,  and  Hector  that 
slew  him 


348 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Rent  from  the  dead  the  redoubtable  armor,  won¬ 
drous  to  gaze  on, 

Gift  of  the  gods  to  Peleus  the  day  thou  wast  wed  to  a 
mortal. 

Would  thou  hadst  kept  to  thy  place,  with  deathless 
sea-nymphs  abiding, 

Aye,  and  Peleus  kept  his,  and  mortal  woman  had 
wedded! 

Now,  to  add  to  the  measureless  woes  of  this  ill- 
sorted  marriage, 

Never  again  will  return  to  his  home  the  son  that  is 
lost  thee, 

Seeing  my  heart  prompteth  not  that  I  live  and  abide 
with  my  fellows 

Save  for  the  slaying  of  Hector  in  vengeance  for  fallen 
Patroklos.” 

Then  spake  Thetis  again,  and  her  tears  fell  fast  as 
she  answered :  — 

“What  thou  art  talking,  my  son,  meaneth  death, 
and  short  will  thy  shrift  be! 

After  the  slaying  of  Hector  thine  own  death  followeth 
straightway.” 

“Straightway,  then,  may  I  die,”  Achilles  bitterly 
answered, 

“Seeing  I  had  not  the  grace  to  defend  my  friend  at 
his  slaying: 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


349 


Far  from  his  native  land  he  died,  and  defender  he 
had  not. 

Now,  since  I  never  return  to  mine  own  dear  home, 
and  in  nowise 

Either  a  light  to  Patroklos  have  been,  nor  the  rest  of 
my  comrades 

Strewn  all  over  the  field  at  the  hands  of  sinewy 
Hector, 

Nay,  but  here  at  the  ships,  to  earth  a  profitless 
burden, 

Sulked,  albeit  the  greatest  in  fight  of  the  mail-clad 
Achaians, 

Oh  that  strife  from  earth  and  from  heaven  might  ut¬ 
terly  perish! 

Aye,  and  hate,  which  proddeth  to  quarrel  even  the 
wise  man  — 

Hate,  which  at  first  though  sweeter  by  far  than 
trickling  honey, 

Waxeth  big  till  it  rankles  like  smoke  in  the  bosom  of 
mortals  — 

Like  to  the  hate  which  fired  me  of  late  against 
Agamemnon. 

So,  let  by-gones  be  by-gones  in  spite  of  my  just  pro¬ 
vocation, 

Curbing  our  passionate  stirrings  of  heart  from  bitter 
compulsion. 

Straight  am  I  going  to  fall  on  the  man  who  slew  my 
beloved  one, 


350 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Hector,  and  then  meet  death  when  Zeus  and  the  gods 
shall  decree  it. 

Even,  yea,  even  great  Herakles’  might  from  death- 
doom  escaped  not, 

Albeit  dearest  of  mortals  was  he  to  almighty  Kro- 
nion, 

Nay,  him  fate  overcame,  and  the  merciless  ven¬ 
geance  of  Hera. 

So,  too,  will  I,  if  in  sooth  a  like  fate  for  me  is  pre¬ 
paring, 

Lie  still  when  I  am  dead,  but  struggle  for  glory  while 
living; 

Let  not  thy  fondness  restrain  me  from  war;  thou 
wilt  not  persuade  me.” 

T 

Then  spake  Thetis,  the  silver-shod  nymph,  and  an¬ 
swered  him,  saying:  — 

“  Verily,  child,  this  purpose  of  thine  is  good,  and  not 
evil, 

Even  thine  hard-pressed  comrades  to  save  from  utter 
destruction; 

Still,  thy  bronze-gleaming  armor  is  held  by  the  Tro¬ 
jans,  remember, 

Worn  as  his  own  by  crest-waving  Hector.  Nowise,  I 
tell  thee, 

Nowise  for  long  will  he  glory  therein,  for  death  is 
anigh  him. 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


351 


Therefore  I  bid  thee  in  no  wise  to  enter  the  tumults 
of  Ares, 

Not  till  thou  seest  me  hither  returned:  I  will  come 
with  the  sunrise, 

Bringing  magnificent  arms  from  the  king  of  crafts¬ 
men,  Hephaistos.” 


Speaking  she  turned  from  her  son,  and  said  to  her 
sisters,  the  sea-nymphs :  — 

“Down  once  again,  my  sisters,  plunge  down  in  the 
sea’s  broad  bosom, 

Go  to  the  halls  of  our  father,  the  Ancient,  and  tell 
what  betideth; 

I  to  lofty  Olympos  am  going  in  hope  that  Hephaistos, 
Far-famed  artist,  will  forge  for  my  son  magnificent 
armor.” 


Thus  she  spake,  and  the  sea-nymphs  turned  and 
plunged  in  the  billows. 

Thetis  went  on  to  Olympos,  and,  as  she  departed, 

i 

the  Argives 

Came  with  cries  of  dismay  to  their  ships  where  the 
Hellespont  dasheth. 

Chance  there  seemed  to  be  none  to  rescue  the  corse 
of  Patroklos, 

Seeing  again  with  horses  and  men  came  furious 
onset 


352 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Led  by  Priamides  Hector,  —  a  flame  of  fire  in  his 
valor. 

Thrice  from  behind  by  the  foot  it  was  seized  by  glo¬ 
rious  Hector, 

Eager  to  drag  it  away,  and  sharply  he  called  to  the 
Trojans; 

Thrice  the  Aiases  twain,  y-clad  in  impetuous  valor, 

Beat  him  off  from  the  corse;  but  he,  with  self-confi¬ 
dent  spirit 

Ceased  not  assault,  but  sometimes  he  charged  on  the 
Danaans,  sometimes 

Halted  with  mighty  yell,  and  gave  not  a  moment  of 
respite. 

Drag  him  away  he  would,  and  have  won  unspeak¬ 
able  triumph, 

Saving  that,  down  from  Olympos,  betimes  came 
wind-footed  Iris 

Bringing  word  to  Achilles  to  gird  himself  for  the 
conflict. 

Halting  anigh,  in  winged  words  she  spake  to  him, 
saying :  — 

“Rouse  thyself,  son  of  Peleus,  of  all  mankind 
most  undaunted! 

Rise  for  Patroklos,  for  over  him,  now,  is  this  terrible 
war-din 

Rising  in  front  of  the  ships;  on  both  sides  many  are 
falling  — - 


Book  XVTH 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


353 


Danaans  valiantly  fighting  to  save  the  corse  of  the 
dead  man, 

Trojans  and  Hector  to  drag  him  away  to  Ilios  wind¬ 
swept  : 

Up,  then!  Lie  here  no  longer!  Let  shame  sink 
deep  in  thy  bosom! 

Think  of  Patroklos  becoming  the  prey  to  the  dogs 
of  the  Trojans! 

Thine  will  be  the  reproach  if  the  body  shall  come  to 
dishonor!” 

Straightway,  then,  in  reply,  outspake  swift-footed 
Achilles :  — 

“How  can  I  join  in  the  fray  when  foemen  have  cap¬ 
tured  my  armor? 

Other  man’s  arms  I  could  even  put  on  I  know  not  of 
any, 

Saving,  perchance,  the  shield  of  great  Telamonian 
Aias. 

Aias  himself,  I  trust,  is  making  a  stand  with  the  fore¬ 
most, 

Dealing  death  with  the  spear  for  the  body  of  fallen 
Patroklos.” 

Wind-footed  Iris  replied:  —  “We  know  that  thine 
armor  is  taken; 

On  to  the  trench  notwithstanding,  and  show  thyself 

to  the  Trojans, 
vol.  ii.  —  23 


354 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Taking  the  chance  that  in  terror  of  thee  they  will 
pause  from  the  onset, 

Thus  to  secure  to  the  Danaans  bold  a  respite  to 
breath  in.” 

Now,  when  her  message  was  told,  and  gone  was 
swift-footed  Iris, 

Up  rose  Achilles,  the  gifted  of  Zeus;  and  Pallas 
Athena 

Over  his  shoulders  broad  disposed  a  many-fringed 
aegis, 

Also  encircled  his  head  with  a  golden  cloud,  and 
above  it 

Gleamed  a  flame  which  the  goddess  divine  set  bale- 
fully  blazing. 

Even  as  when  from  a  city  a  smoke  ascendeth  to 
heaven 

Far  away  on  an  island  which  hostile  forces  beleaguer, 

After  they,  all  day  long,  have  a  losing  fight  from  the 
city 

Waged,  and  at  set  of  sun  their  beacon-lights  thickly 
are  blazing, 

Lighting  the  skies  with  their  signal  for  aid  from  the 
neighboring  islands: 

So  from  the  head  of  Achilles  the  glare  ascended  to 
heaven. 

Heeding  his  mother’s  injunction  the  fighting  Acha- 
ians  he  joined  not, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


355 


But,  going  forth  to  the  moat,  he  stood  and  shouted, 
and  Pallas 

Lifted  beside  him  her  terrible  voice,  and  unspeakable 
uproar 

Rose  in  the  Trojan  ranks;  for  dire  as  the  voice  of  a 
trumpet 

Blown  by  its  deadliest  foes  to  summon  a  city’s  sur¬ 
render, 

So,  then,  high  o’er  the  tempest  of  war,  blared  the 
voice  of  Achilles. 

Straightway  the  Trojans  heard  the  bronzen  voice 
of  Achilles, 

Thrilled  and  shaken  of  soul  their  high  hearts  quaked; 
and  the  horses, 

Manes  and  tails  all  a-flying,  and  stricken  with 
bodings  of  evil, 

Headstrong,  their  chariots  turned;  and  aghast  were 
the  charioteers, 

Seeing  the  fire  unwearied  stream  up  from  the  head  of 
Achilles, 

Flaming  its  terrors,  —  the  fire  which  keen-eyed 
Pallas  had  kindled. 

Thrice  from  over  the  trench  rang  the  mighty  voice 
of  Achilles, 

Thrice  on  Trojan  and  valiant  ally  fell  palsying 
panic. 

Such  was  the  dire  consternation  that  twelve  of  their 
best  and  their  bravest 


356 


HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XVIII 


Fell  by  their  own  spears  slain  or  their  chariot  wheels; 
and  the  Argives 

Gladly,  amid  the  confusion,  the  body  of  fallen 
Patroklos 

Brought  in,  placed  on  a  litter,  and  walked  beside  him 
lamenting. 

In  behind  the  procession  Achilles  fell,  and  amid  them 

Wept  hot  tears  unavailing;  for,  lo,  his  trusty  com¬ 
panion 

Stretched  on  the  bier  of  death  lay  slain  by  pitiless 
spear-stroke  — 

Friend  in  the  pomp  of  horses  and  chariots  sent  to 
the  battle, 

Hopefully  sent,  but,  alas,  to  living  welcome  returned 
not. 

Now  the  unwearying  sun  by  ox-eyed  imperial  Hera 

Downward  to  eddying  Ocean  was  sent,  and  loth  he 
departed. 

So,  then,  the  sun  went  down,  and  gladly  the  warlike 
Achaians 

Ceased  from  the  perilous  fight,  —  the  tug  and  travail 
of  battle. 

Also,  from  further  assault,  the  Trojans  ceasing  at 
sunset, 

Loosed  their  steeds  from  the  yoke  and,  before  they 
bethought  them  of  supper, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


357 


Met  in  assembly,  but  dared  not  to  sit;  and  quaking 
they  stood  there, 

Seeing  Achilles  had  come  once  again,  who  long  had 
been  absent. 

First  amid  them  to  speak  was  Polydamas,  prudent 
in  counsel, 

Wise  beyond  others  in  seeing  the  past  and  foreseeing 
the  future. 

Comrade  of  Hector  was  he  —  ’t  was  the  self-same 
night  they  were  born  in  — 

Yet  was  he  greater  in  words,  but  Hector  far  greater 
in  action. 

He,  in  concern  for  his  people,  forewarned  and  cau¬ 
tioned  them,  saying :  — 


“ Weigh  both  sides  of  the  question,  my  friends;  I 
advocate  strongly 

Instant  retreat  to  the  city,  not  wait  for  the  dawn  of 
the  morning 

Here  on  the  plain  by  the  ships;  and  far,  far  away  are 
our  ramparts. 

Whilst  our  arch-enemy  kept  from  the  fray  from  hate 
of  Atreides, 

Easier  far  were  the  Argives  to  face,  and  I  by  their 
shipping 

Bivouacked,  hoping  to  take  it  by  storm,  and  gloried 
as  you  did. 


358 


HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XYIII 


Now,  as  things  are,  I  am  sorely  in  dread  of  un¬ 
flinching  Achilles. 

Such  is  the  pride  of  his  venturesome  heart  he  will 
brook  not  to  linger 

Back  in  the  plain,  where  the  rest  of  us  fight,  we 
Trojans  and  Argives, 

Sharing  between  us,  as  spoil,  naught  else  than  the 
fury  of  Ares,  — 

Nay,  our  city  and  wives,  no  less,  is  the  prize  he  will 
fight  for. 

Up,  then!  back  to  the  city!  Oh,  heed  me!  ’Twill 
be  as  I  tell  you. 

Now,  ambrosial  night  restraineth  his  rage,  but  to¬ 
morrow 

Granting  he  catcheth  us  loitering  here  in  his  armor 
of  battle, 

Some  there  be  that  will  know  him;  and  glad  to  win 
to  the  city 

Whoso  escapeth,  and  many  be  food  for  dogs  and  for 
vultures. 

If,  however,  my  word  we  shall  heed,  however  re¬ 
luctant, 

* 

Morning  will  find  us  in  battle  array  with  towers  to 
defend  us; 

Worse  for  him  will  he  find  it  to  come  from  his  ship¬ 
ping  to  fight  us: 

Back  once  more  to  his  camp  will  he  go  with  his  high¬ 
headed  horses 


Book  XVIII  HOMER’S  ILIAD 


359 


Blown  by  meanderings  under  our  walls  in  his  profit¬ 
less  efforts. 

Into  our  city  he  never  will  break,  he  dare  not  attempt 
it, 

No,  and  he  never  will  take  it,  —  before  that  dogs 
shall  devour  him.” 

Then,  with  an  angry  look,  spake  crest-waving  Hector 
for  answer :  — 

“  Nowise  welcome  to  me,  Polydamas,  runneth  thy 
counsel, 

Bidding  us  beat  a  retreat,  and  herd  once  more  in  the 
city. 

Have  we  not  had  enough  of  being  cooped  in  our 
fastness? 

Once  this  city  of  Priam  among  all  civilized  peoples 

Used  to  be  common  talk  for  the  bronze  and  gold  that 
were  in  it,  — 

Now  all  utterly  lost,  and  our  homes  despoiled  of 
their  treasures, 

Many  possessions  to  Phrygia  gone  and  Maionia 
lovely, 

Scattered  and  sold,  since  the  hatred  of  Zeus  hath  been 
heavy  upon  us. 

Now,  when  the  son  of  mysterious  Kronos  the  first 
time  hath  given  us 

Glory  to  win  on  the  field,  and  in  their  camp  herd  the 
Achaians, 


360 


HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XVIII 


This  is  no  time,  thou  fool,  to  vent  such  half-hearted 
counsels,  — 

Never  a  man  of  the  Trojans  will  heed  thee,  —  permit 
them  I  will  not. 

Come,  now,  the  counsel  that  I  give  let  every  man  of 
us  follow: 

First  take  supper  all  over  the  host,  but  take  it  in 
relays, 

Keep  strict  watch,  be  alert,  and  to-morrow,  keen  for 
the  onset, 

Morning  will  find  us  in  battle  array  by  the  enemies’ 
shipping. 

If,  in  truth,  by  the  ships  Achilles  hath  risen  for 
action, 

Worse  for  him  will  he  find  it  if  risen  to  stay;  I  shall 
never 

Shrink  from  the  roar  of  battle,  but  face  to  face  will  I 
meet  him, 

Whether  he  winneth  a  victory  proud  or  I  be  the 
winner. 

Fair-play  giveth  the  war-god,  and  ofttimes  slayeth 
the  slayer.” 

Thus  did  Hector  harangue,  and  the  Trojans  roared 
their  approval  — 

Fools,  bereft  of  their  natural  sense  by  Pallas  Athena, 

Seeing  their  praise  was  for  Hector  albeit  his  counsel 
was  evil, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


361 


Yet  not  a  word  of  Polydamas  heard,  whose  counsel 
had  saved  them. 

So  their  supper  they  took  the  army  throughout; 
but  the  Argives 

Wailed  for  Patroklos  the  whole  night  long,  and 
Achilles  amid  them 

Led  in  the  wail,  with  his  man-slaying  hands  on  the 
breast  of  his  comrade, 

Groaning  grimly  and  fast,  as  bearded  lioness  growleth, 

One  whose  whelps  hath  a  stag-hunter  stolen  and 
borne  from  the  forest: 

Later  returning  she  mourneth,  and  scenting  the 
tracks  of  the  huntsman 

Teareth  through  many  a  glen,  sore  wroth,  and  pant¬ 
ing  to  catch  him: 

So,  with  Lion-like  moanings,  he  spake  to  the  Myrmi¬ 
dons,  saying:  — 

“  Empty,  empty,  alas,  were  my  words  so  hopefully 
spoken, 

Meant  to  hearten  the  hero  Menoitios  when  we 
departed, 

Promising  I  would  return  him  his  son  in  glory  to 
Opus, 

Proud  of  the  capture  of  Troy,  and  rich  in  his  share  of 
the  booty. 

But,  of  the  thoughts  of  men  Zeus  bringeth  not  all  to 
fruition; 


362 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Lo,  we  both  were  foredoomed  to  dye  this  soil  with  our 
life-blood, 

Here  in  Troyland,  for  not  even  me  will  the  veteran 
Peleus 

Welcome  again  in  his  halls  —  this  soil  shall  hold  me 
beneath  it. 

But,  since,  Patroklos,  later  than  thee  this  earth  will 
entomb  me, 

Funeral  honors  in  thy  case  shall  wait  till  I  bring 
for  thy  glory 

Head  and  armor  of  Hector,  the  mighty  warrior  that 
slew  thee. 

Till  then,  here  by  the  ships  thou  shalt  lie  as  thou 
art,  and  about  thee 

Deep-bosomed  women  of  Troy  and  other  Dardanian 
captives  ^ 

Night-time  and  daytime  shall  stand  and  ceaselessly 
weep  and  bewail  thee.” 

Silver-shod  Thetis  the  while  had  come  to  the  house 
of  Hephaistos 

Ever-enduring  and  starry,  conspicuous  mid  the 
immortals, 

Fashioned  of  bronze,  and  Hephaistos  himself,  the 
clubfoot,  had  made  it. 

Him  she  caught  all  reeking  with  sweat,  and  brisk  at 
the  bellows, 

Hasting  to  finish  a  batch  of  tripods,  twenty  in  number, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


363 


Forged  to  stand  by  the  wall  of  the  well-framed  hall 
of  his  palace. 

Wheels  underneath  them  of  gold  he  had  set  at  the 
base  of  the  tripods 

Planning  that  they  without  help  the  divine  assembly 
might  enter, 

Also  return  to  the  house  without  help,  —  a  marvel 
to  witness. 

Just  that  near  to  completion  were  they,  but  thus  far 
the  cunning 

Ears  were  not  fastened:  and  these  he  was  fitting,  and 
cutting  the  rivets. 

While  he  was  working  at  these  with  the  subtle  skill 
of  a  craftsman, 

Silver-shod  Thetis  drew  nigh;  and  the  beautiful 
wife  of  the  artist, 

Grace,  in  a  glittering  head-band,  came  out  of  the 
dwelling  and  saw  her. 

Taking  her  guest  by  the  hand  she  greeted  her  cor¬ 
dially,  saying :  — 

“What  is  the  chance,  fair  Thetis,  that  bringeth  thee 
hither  to  our  house, 

Guest  ever  honored  and  dear?  Not  often  thy  visits 
aforetime. 

Prithee  come  in;  as  hostess  I  fain  would  set  guest- 
cheer  before  thee.” 


364 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Thus  she  said,  the  goddess  divine,  and  into  the  palace 

Led  and  seated  her  guest  on  a  throne  with  trappings 
of  silver, 

Beautiful,  skilfully  wrought,  and  below  for  the  feet 
was  a  foot-rest; 

Then  she  went  for  her  husband,  the  far-famed  arti¬ 
san,  saying :  — 

“  Come,  Hephaistos,  Thetis  is  here,  and  wants  you  for 
something.” 

Then,  for  answer,  the  club-foot  renowned  with  feel¬ 
ing  responded :  — 

“Verily,  this  is  a  guest  that  hath  earned  my  homage 
and  honor, 

She  who  saved  me  from  direful  distress  when  falling 
from  heaven,  y. 

Cast  by  my  mother,  unnatural  vixen,  meaning  to 
keep  me 

Hid  from  sight,  being  lame;  and  I  had  been  dashed 
to  destruction 

Saving  that  Thetis,  Eurynome  helping  her,  caught 
me  in  season,  — 

That  Eurynome  mean  I  the  daughter  of  refluent 
Ocean. 

Staying  with  these  years  nine  I  wrought  curiosities 
many, 

Brooches,  and  twisted  armlets,  and  necklaces  also, 
and  earrings, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


365 


Hid  in  a  hollow  grot ;  and  about  it  the  currents  of  Ocean 

Ever  kept  foaming  and  dashing  with  wild  inarticu¬ 
late  murmur  — 

Refuge  to  all  unknown,  alike  to  gods  and  to  mortals, 

Save  that  Eurynome  knew,  and  Thetis,  the  twain 
that  had  saved  me. 

Now  she  to  our  house  hath  come,  and  mighty  con¬ 
straint  is  upon  me  - 

Full  life  ransom  to  pay  in  requital  to  lovely-tressed 
Thetis. 

Prithee  do  thou  go  back  and  provide  her  a  bountiful 
guest-cheer, 

Whilst  I  am  stowing  the  bellows  away,  and  all  my 
utensils.” 

Speaking,  he  up  from  his  anvil  rose,  a  tottering  giant, 

Rose  with  a  limp,  but  the  slender  legs  moved  nimbly 
beneath  him. 

Then,  apart  from  the  fire  his  bellows  he  laid,  and 
together 

Gathered  and  stowed  in  a  silver  chest  his  working 
utensils; 

Next,  from  his  face  and  hands  and  his  shaggy  breast 
and  his  brawny 

Neck  he  carefully  sponged  away  the  grime  of  the 
work-shop, 

Then  his  tunic  put  on,  a  stout  staff  grasped,  and  pro¬ 
ceeded 


366 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Forth  with  a  limping  gait;  and,  supporting  their 
lord,  tripped  handmaids 

Fashioned  of  gold,  who  yet  were  living  maidens  in 
semblance. 

Understanding  of  heart  have  they,  and  articulate 
language, 

Strength,  moreover,  and  handicraft  skill,  the  gift  of 
immortals. 

These,  underneath  their  lord,  supported  his  steps  till 
he  hobbled 

On  to  the  presence  of  Thetis,  and  sat  in  a  glittering 
arm-chair, 

Clasped  her  hand  in  his  own,  and  heartily  welcomed 
her,  saying :  — 

“What  is  the  errand,  fair  Thetis,  that  bringeth  thee 
hither  to  our  house, 

Reverenced  ever  and  dear?  Not  often  thy  visits 
aforetime. 

Tell  me  the  wish  of  thine  heart;  my  spirit  prompteth 
to  do  it, 

If  I  am  able,  that  is,  and  the  thing  be  not  utterly 
hopeless." 

Fair-robed  Thetis  then  spake,  and  her  tears  fell  fast 
as  she  answered :  — 

“Oh,  Hephaistos,  what  goddess,  of  all  who  abide  on 
Olympos, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


367 


Beareth  such  sorrows  as  Kronides  Zeus  for  me  hath 
appointed? 

Me  of  the  sea-nymphs  all  he  subject  made  to  a 
mortal, 

Peleus,  Aiakos’  son,  and  I  to  his  bride-bed  sub¬ 
mitted 

Albeit  very  unwilling;  now  worn  in  his  palace  he 
lieth 

Stricken  in  years,  —  old  sorrows  from  Zeus;  now  a 
new  one  he  sendeth, 

Seeing  a  son  he  decreed  me  to  bear,  and  rear  him  to 
manhood, 

Chivalry’s  very  flower!  The  boy  ran  up  like  a 
sapling, 

And,  when  grown  like  a  sturdy  stalk  on  the  slope  of  a 
vineyard, 

On  to  Troyland  I  sent  him  to  war  with  the  Trojans, 
and  never, 

Never  shall  welcome  him  back  to  his  childhood’s 
home  a  survivor. 

Yea,  and  now  while  he  liveth  and  seeth  the  sunlight 
he  suffers 

Woes  I  am  powerless  to  help.  The  girl  the  Achaians 
awarded 

King  Agamemnon  away  from  him  took  and,  angered, 
Achilles 

Pining  for  her,  withdrew  from  the  war,  and  the  Tro¬ 
jans  exultant 


368 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Hemmed  the  Achaians  in  camp;  and  now  the  elders 
of  Argos 

Sought  for  his  aid,  and  the  gifts  that  they  promised 
were  splendid  and  many. 

As  for  himself  he  straitly  refused  to  retrieve  their 
disaster, 

But,  thereafter,  Patroklos  he  sent  when  the  ships  were 
in  danger, 

Clad  in  his  god-given  armor,  and  many  a  Myrmidon 
with  him. 

All  day  long  they  fought  by  the  Skaian  Gates;  and 
the  city 

Surely  had  fallen  that  self-same  day,  but  Phoibos 
Apollo, 

After  great  havoc  done  by  the  gallant  son  of  Menoi- 
tios, 

Slew  him  in  front  of  the  fray,  and  gave  the  glory  to 
Hector. 

So  to  thy  knees  am  I  come,  and  this  is  mine  errand,  to 
beg  thee 

Shield  and  helmet  to  give  to  my  son  so  shortly  to 
perish, 

Also  beautiful  greaves  with  ankle-guards  suitably 
fitted, 

Likewise  a  corselet;  the  arms  that  were  his  his  trusty 
companion 

Lost  when  he  fell ;  and  heart-broken  now  in  the  dust 
is  he  lying.’ 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


369 


Then,  for  rejoinder,  responded  the  far-famed  artisan, 
saying :  — 

“Take  heart!  neither  be  troubled  of  soul  respecting 
this  armor! 

Would  that  my  craft  were  as  able  from  death’s  dread 
cries  to  protect  him, 

Hiding  him  far  apart  when  the  last  calamity  com- 
eth, 

Surely  as  glorious  arms  shall  be  his,  to  beholders  a 
marvel.” 


Thus  said  Hephaistos,  and  leaving  her  there,  he  went 
to  his  bellows. 

These  he  turned  on  the  fire,  and  set  them  to  work; 
and  the  bellows, 

Twenty  in  all,  proceeded  to  blow  on  the  crucibles, 
sending 

Blasts  of  every  description  as  wanted,  where  wanted, 
and  sometimes 

Fierce,  when  urgent  the  haste  of  the  work,  and  other¬ 
wise  sometimes, 

All  as  Hephaistos  might  wish,  and  the  needs  of  the 
calling  demanded. 

Bronze  that  wears  not  away,  and  tin,  he  placed  on 
the  fire, 

Silver,  also,  and  gold  much  prized  of  men;  and  his 
anvil 

vol.  ii  — 24 


% 


370  HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XVIII 

Huge  he  placed  on  the  anvil  block,  and  then  in  the 
one  hand 

Seized  his  ponderous  hammer,  his  tongs  being  held 
by  the  other. 


Then  he  made,  to  begin  with,  a  shield  that  was 
mighty  and  massive, 

Cunningly  fashioned  throughout,  and  shining  metal 
about  it 

Cast  in  a  triple  rim,  and  fitted  a  shield-strap  of 
silver. 

Five  were  the  plates  of  the  shield  with  a  common 
centre,  and  on  it 

Wrought  he  much  curious  work  with  the  subtle  skill 
of  a  craftsman.  1 


On  it  the  earth  he  wrought,  and  the  sea,  and  on  it 
the  heavens, 

Also  the  moon  at  her  full,  and  the  sun  that  wearieth 
never; 

On  it,  moreover,  the  signs,  as  many  as  garland  the 
heavens, 

Even  the  Pleiads,  the  Hyads,  the  mighty  hunter 
Orion, 

Also  the  great  she  Bear,  which  men  call  also  the 
Wagon, 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


371 


Her  that  turneth  on  high  and  Orion  eternally 
watcheth, 

Her  that  alone  of  the  signs  shareth  not  in  the  baths 
of  the  ocean. 

On  it  two  cities  he  made  of  foreign  and  civilized 
peoples; 

Things  of  beauty  they  were;  in  the  one  were  wed¬ 
dings  and  feastings, 

Brides  led  forth  from  their  chambers,  and  under  the 
splendor  of  torches 

Up  through  the  city  escorted,  while  loud  rose  the 
song  of  espousal. 

Whirling  about  in  the  dance  were  youths,  and  in 
time  with  the  dancers 

Flutes  and  viols  rang  high;  and  in  front  of  the  several 
houses 

Standing  in  doorways  were  women  admiring  with 
open-mouthed  wonder. 

Yonder  the  men  were  met  in  assembly,  for  there 
had  a  trial 1 

Started,  and  there  two  men  were  disputing  concern¬ 
ing  the  blood-price 

Due  for  a  man  one  had  slain;  he,  claiming  by  gifts 
full  atonement, 

Stating  his  case  to  the  people,  while  gifts  were  refused 
by  the  other; 

1  The  first  suggestion  in  literature  of  anything  like  a  trial 

at  law. 


372 


HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XVIII 


So  both  came  to  an  expert  determined  to  get  a 
decision. 

Both  men  the  people  applauded,  for  both  sides  had 
their  adherents, 

Keeping  the  heralds  busy  in  checking  the  uproar; 
the  elders 

Sat  there  on  polished  stones  in  a  sacred  circle,  and 
scepters 

Held  in  their  hands  which  in  turn  they  received  from 
the  heavy-voiced  heralds. 

Then  to  the  front  they  strode  and  judgment  gave  in 
succession. 

Lying,  as  fit,  in  the  midst  was,  also,  of  gold  two 
talents, 

Meant  for  him  of  the  elders  who  fairest  seemed  in 
his  judgment. 

Camped  by  the  second  city  were  two  beleaguering 
armies 

Gleaming  in  mail,  who  offered  the  townsfolk  this 
ultimatum  — 

Either  the  sack  of  the  place  or  else  an  equal  division 

’Twixt  the  besiegers  and  them  of  the  wealth  of  the 
beautiful  city. 

This  the  townsfolk  declined,  and  had  armed  them¬ 
selves  for  an  ambush. 

Up  on  the  wall  dear  wives  and  infant  children  were 
standing, 


Book  XVIII  HOMER’S  ILIAD 


373 


Acting  as  guards,  and  men  infirm  of  age  were  among 
them. 

Forth  marched  the  fighting  men  with  Ares  and  Pal¬ 
las  Athena 

Leading,  both  of  gold,  and  gold  was  the  raiment  that 
clad  them, 

Both  being  stately  and  great  in  their  mail  as  ever 
the  gods  are, 

Towering  apart  by  themselves,  for  the  people  below 
them  were  smaller. 

They,  when  they  came  to  a  spot  that  was  fitting  to 
lay  them  in  ambush  — 

Where,  in  a  river’s  bed,  was  a  place  for  watering 
cattle  — 

There  they  stationed  themselves,  as  planned,  in 
bright  mail  accoutered. 

Two  of  their  number  apart  lay  hid,  as  scouts  of  the 
army, 

Waiting  for  sheep  to  appear  and  trail-footed,  crum¬ 
pled-horned  cattle. 

Soon  the  cattle  appeared,  and  behind  them  followed 
two  herdsmen 

Piping  away  on  flutes,  with  never  a  thought  of  an 
ambush. 

Thus  the  others  saw  first,  and  up  they  ran,  inter¬ 
cepting 

All  the  cattle  and  sheep,  and  slew  the  shepherds  that 
fed  them. 


374 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


When  the  besiegers  heard,  as  they  sat  by  the  places 
of  parley, 

Outcry  loud  by  the  cattle,  behind  their  high-stepping 
horses 

Promptly  they  mounted  and  followed,  and  came  to 
the  spot  very  quickly. 

Both  sides  stood  their  ground,  and  along  by  the  banks 
of  the  river 

Fought  a  fight,  and  their  bronze-shod  spears  drave 
hard  at  each  other. 

Mingling  among  them  was  Strife,  and  Tumult,  aye, 
Death  was  among  them, 

Grasping  a  living  man  just  wounded,  another  un¬ 
wounded, 

Also  a  dead  man’s  corse  by  the  feet  through  the  mel- 
lay  was  dragging, 

Wearing  a  robe  on  her  shoulders  the  blood  of  mortals 
had  reddened. 

Even  like  living  men  they  were  rushing  together  and 
fighting, 

Like  them  were  haling  away  the  bodies  of  foemen 
departed. 

On  it  a  light-soiled  field  he  placed,  in  high  cultivation, 

Three  times  ploughed  and  wide;  and  many  plough¬ 
men  were  in  it 

Turning  their  yokes  of  oxen,  and  driving  them  for¬ 
ward  and  backward. 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


375 


Some,  as  they  turned  about,  having  come  to  the 
bounds  of  the  plough-land, 

There  had  put  in  their  hands  a  goblet  of  wine  sweet  - 
as  honey, 

Giv’n  by  a  man  coming  up;  and  others  kept  turning 
the  furrows, 

Eager  to  come  to  the  goal  of  the  loamy  field  in  their 
ploughing. 

Black  was  the  field  in  the  rear,  and  like  to  plough¬ 
land  exactly, 

Albeit  being  of  gold  ;  and  in  this  the  work  was  a 
wonder. 


On  it  a  royal  demesne  he  set;  and  there  were  the 
reapers 

Gathering  in  the  grain,  and  keen-edged  sickles 
were  handling. 

Some  grain  down  to  the  ground  in  swaths  was  fall¬ 
ing  together, 

Some  the  binders  of  sheaves  with  straw  were  tying 
in  bundles. 

Sheaf-binders  three  stood  by  prepared  for  their  work; 
and  behind  them 

Boys,  collecting  the  grain  and  bringing  it  forward  in 
armfuls, 

Kept  the  binders  supplied;  and  the  king,  amid  them, 
in  silence 


376 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Stood  there,  scepter  in  hand,  and  his  heart  at  the 
swath  was  rejoicing. 

Pages  apart  were  preparing  a  banquet  under  an  oak- 
tree, 

Busied  in  dressing  an  ox,  a  monster,  slaughtered; 
while  women 

Strewed  it  with  barley  meal,  their  supper  to  give  to 
the  reapers. 

On  it  a  vineyard  he  placed  that  was  heavily  loaded 
with  clusters, 

Beautiful,  fashioned  of  gold,  and  black  overhead 
were  the  bunches,  — 

Resting,  moreover,  throughout  on  props  that  were 
fashioned  of  silver. 

Circling  the  vineyard  a  ditch  of  cyanus  ran,  and 
about  it 

Set  he  a  fence  of  tin,  and  one  path,  only,  led  thither, 

Meant  for  the  vintagers’  use  when  they  gathered  the 
fruit  of  the  vineyard. 

Maidens,  moreover,  and  youths  were  seen  thereon 
making  merry, 

Bearing  in  plaited  baskets  the  fruit  of  the  vine  sweet 
as  honey. 

Also,  amid  the  throng,  a  boy  with  a  clear-toned 
viol 

Charmingly  played,  and  sweetly  the  song  of  Sum¬ 
mer  departing 


Book  XVIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


377 


Sang  with  a  high-pitched  voice;  and  the  rest  in  step 
altogether 

Followed  with  skipping  feet  in  time  with  the  song 
and  the  music. 


On  it,  moreover,  a  herd  he  embossed  of  high-horned 
cattle, 

Fashioned  of  gold  and  of  tin;  and  lowing  they  ran 
from  the  farmyard 

Down  to  a  mead  by  a  murmuring  stream  where 
rushes  were  waving. 

Shepherds  of  gold  to  the  number  of  four  were  driving 
the  cattle, 

Followed  by  nine  swift  dogs;  and  lo,  two  terrible 
lions 

Seized  on  a  bull  that  was  leading,  and  dragged  him 
bellowing  loudly. 

Close  in  pursuit  were  the  dogs  and  the  men  but,  re¬ 
gardless,  the  lions, 

Rending  the  hide  of  the  bull,  were  gorging  them¬ 
selves  on  his  entrails. 

Sore  afraid  were  the  shepherds,  but  set  the  dogs  to 

attack  them. 

% 

They  swerved  away  from  the  lions  and,  prudently 
keeping  their  distance, 

Came  up  behind  them  and  barked,  but  refrained 
altogether  from  biting. 


378 


HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XVIII 


On  it  a  pasture  he  made,  did  the  far-famed  clubfoot, 
a  wide  one, 

All  in  a  beautiful  glen,  and  white-fleeced  sheep  were 
within  it, 

Steadings,  moreover,  for  shepherds,  and  low-roofed 
huts,  and  the  sheep-folds. 


On  it  a  dance  he  embossed,  did  the  far-famed  god, 
Ambidexter, 

Such  as  in  Crete,  in  the  olden  time,  of  intricate 
mazes 

Daidalos  deftly  designed  for  its  princess,  fair 
Ariadne. 

There  represented  were  youths  and  maidens  costly  of 
wooing,  1 

Dancing,  with  all  hands  joined,  each  holding  the 
wrist  of  his  partner. 

Raiment  of  fine-spun  linen  the  maids  had  on,  while 
in  tunics 

Neatly  woven  the  youths  were  clad,  dim  gleaming 
with  olive; 

Also  beautiful  garlands  bedecked  the  maids,  while 
the  others 

Daggers  of  gold  were  wearing  suspended  from  bal¬ 
drics  of  silver. 

Now  with  cadenced  steps  they  nimbly  moved  in  a 
circle, 


Book  XVIII  HOMER’S  ILIAD 


379 


Easily  very,  as  when,  in  the  practiced  hands  of  a 
potter, 

Spinneth  his  wheel  as  he  sitteth  to  see  if  it  runneth 
in  order; 

Then,  with  change  in  the  step,  in  lines  they  chased 
one  another. 

Throngs  of  spectators  stood  by  to  gaze  at  the  beau¬ 
tiful  dancing, 

Full  of  delight;  and  amid  them  a  god-like  poet  was 
singing, 

Playing  the  while  on  his  harp;  and  down  through 
the  throng  of  spectators 

Ever  in  time  with  the  music  two  acrobats  deftly 
were  whirling. 


On  it,  he  placed  moreover,  the  mighty  power  of  the 
Ocean, 

Streaming  about  on  the  rim  of  the  targe  so  skilfully 
fashioned. 


Now  when  the  work  was  complete  on  the  shield  so 
mighty  and  massive, 

Forged  he  a  corselet  to  match  it,  and  brighter  than 
fire  was  its  glitter. 

Forged  he  also  a  helmet,  ’twas  heavy  and  shaped  to 
the  temples, 


380 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XVIII 


Beautiful,  cunningly  made,  and  a  crest  of  gold  set 
above  it: 

Forged  he,  moreover,  greaves  of  flexible  tin  for  the 
outfit. 

Now  when  the  suit  of  armor  was  finished  by  great 
Ambidexter, 

Bringing  it  forward  he  laid  it  adown  by  the  feet  of 
the  mother. 

Swift  as  the  flight  of  the  falcon  she  sped  down  snowy 
Olympos 

Bearing  the  glittering  arms,  the  gift  of  craftsman 
Hephaistos. 


1 


BOOK  XIX 


Dawn  in  her  mantle  of  saffron  arose  from  the 
streams  of  the  Ocean, 

Bearing  her  light,  betimes,  to  deathless  gods  and  to 
mortals, 

When  to  the  ships  came  Thetis  anon  with  arms  from 
Hephaistos. 

There  her  own  dear  son  outstretched  by  the  side  of 
Patroklos 

Found  she  weeping  aloud,  and  his  many  companions 
about  him 

Joined  in  lament;  and  amid  them  stole  close  the 
beauteous  goddess, 

Clasped  his  hands  in  her  own,  and  said  in  tender 
remonstrance :  — 

“We  must  submit,  my  child,  though  sad  for  the 
death  of  thy  comrade, 

Seeing  the  gods  so  willed,  and  he  fell  foredoomed 
from  the  outset. 

Here,  take  these,  the  work  of  Hephaistos,  magnificent 
armor, 

Such  as  no  mortal  man  ever  wore  on  his  shoulders 
before  this.” 


382 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Such  were  the  words  of  the  goddess  as  down  in  front 
of  Achilles 

Laid  she  the  arms,  which  resounded  in  all  their  curi¬ 
ous  markings. 

Then  on  the  Myrmidons  all  fell  trembling,  neither 
did  any 

Dare  to  look  at  it  straight,  and  they  turned  to  flee; 
but  Achilles 

Gazed,  and  ever  grew  fierce  as  he  gazed,  and  under 
his  eyebrows 

Dread  was  the  glare  of  his  eyes  which  gleamed  like 
the  blaze  of  a  fire; 

Yet  with  delight  did  he  handle  the  glorious  gifts 
notwithstanding. 

When  he  had  sated  his  soul  with  beholding  the  curi¬ 
ous  tracings, 

Straightway  he  turned,  and  in  winged  words  thus 
spake  to  his  mother:  — 

“Mother,  god-given  armor  is  this,  and  such  as  is  fitting 

Work  of  immortals  should  be,  and  mortal  hand  could 
not  forge  them. 

Now,  good  sooth,  will  I  arm  for  the  fray:”  and  he 
sped  up  the  sea-shore, 

Shouting  his  terrible  war-cry,  and  roused  the  heroic 
Achaians. 

Even  those  who  aforetime  were  wont  to  abide  by  the 
shipping, 


Book  XIX 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


383 


Men,  for  example,  like  helmsmen  who  guided  the 
oarage  for  steering, 

Also  such  as  were  stewards  and  dealt  out  food  to  the 
soldiers, 

Even  these  men  came  then  to  assembly,  seeing 
Achilles 

Now  had  appeared,  who  for  long  stood  aloof  from 
dolorous  battle. 

Limping,  along  came  two  men  together,  servants  of 
Ares, 

Even  Tydeides  the  dauntless  in  fight,  and  godlike 
Odysseus, 

Leaning  upon  their  spears,  for  still  their  wounds 
were  distressing; 

Yet,  to  the  front  they  passed,  and  seated  themselves 
in  assembly. 

Last  of  all  to  arrive  was  the  king  of  men,  Agamemnon, 

Crippled  by  spear-wound  inflicted  by  Koon,  son  of 
Antenor. 

In  trooped  man  after  man  till  gathered  were  all  the 
Achaians, 

When,  amid  them  Achilles  arose,  and  spake  to  them, 
saying :  — 

“Pray,  Atreides,  wherein  hath  it  turned  out  better 
for  either, 

Either  for  thee  or  for  me,  that  with  hearts  pervert 
we  have  fallen 


384 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Into  a  quarrel  heart-rending  as  this,  and  all  for  a 
woman? 

She,  ah,  would  she  by  Artemis  slain  had  died  at  the 
shipping, 

Even  the  self-same  day  that  I  stormed  Lyrnessos 
and  took  it! 

Then,  not  so  many  Achaians  had  bitten  the  dust  in 
their  death-throes, 

Slain  by  the  hands  of  our  foes  whilst  I  was  sulking  in 
anger. 

Profit  to  Hector,  indeed,  and  the  Trojans  it  was;  but 
Achaians 

Long  will  remember  this  quarrel  of  ours,  I  ween,  and 
with  reason. 

Come,  let  the  dead  past  bury  its  dead;  necessity  bids 
us  q'i 

Curb  the  pride  of  our  hearts,  our  stormy  souls  not¬ 
withstanding. 

My  wrath  here  I  renounce,  and  sincerely:  nowise 
doth  honor 

Force  me  to  end  not  this  quarrel  forever.  Up, 
then,  and  order 

Instant  advance  of  the  Argives  to  war !  I  fain  would 
determine 

Whether  the  Trojans  keep  on  camping  here:  but 
methinks  that  the  remnant, 

Such  as  escape  from  my  spear,  will  take  to  their  heels, 
and  be  glad  to.” 


Book  XIX  HOMER’S  ILIAD  385 


Thus  he  said,  and  his  hearers  rejoiced  that  the  quarrel 
was  ended. 

Then  rose  King  Agamemnon  and  spake  to  the  Dana- 
ans,  saying :  — 

“Listen,  friends,  ye  Danaan  heroes,  ye  servants  of 
Ares, 

Give  your  attention,  all,  though  my  words  are  meant 
for  Achilles. 

Many  a  word  respecting  our  feud  have  the  Danaans 
spoken  — 

Every  man  hath  denounced  me;  but  not  on  me  should 
the  blame  rest, 

Nay,  it  was  Zeus,  and  Fate,  the  Avenger  that  walk- 
eth  in  darkness, 

They  it  was  who  put  in  my  heart  wild  infatuation 

When,  on  that  fatal  day,  I  wrested  his  prize  from 
Achilles. 

What  could  I  do,  being  man,  and  the  great  gods 
governing  all  things? 

Eldest  daughter  of  Zeus  is  Folly,  who  all  men  be- 
guileth, 

Temptress  accursed!  soft  are  her  feet;  rough  earth 
she  avoideth, 

Nay,  but  on  heads  of  men  she  lightly  presseth  her 
footsteps, 

Spreading  her  snares  of  bane,  and  this  man  and  that 
she  entangleth. 


vol.  ii  —  25 


386 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Why,  by  her  once  on  a  time  was  Zeus  befooled, 
though  acknowledged 

Greatest  of  gods  and  men;  but  him,  notwithstanding 
his  greatness, 

Hera,  with  feminine  craft,  deceived  on  the  day  when 
the  mighty 

Herakles  should  have  been  born,  in  tower-crowned 
Thebes,  of  Alkmene. 

Downright  boastful  was  he  as  he  said  amid  the  im¬ 
mortals  :  — 

“ ‘  Hearken  to  me,  ye  gods,  and  all  ye  goddesses 
hearken : 

This  is  the  day  Eileithya  who  helpeth  women  in 
childbirth 

Unto  the  light  shall  a  man-child  bring  of  my  blood 
descended 

Who  as  a  monarch  shall  reign  over  all  the  dwellers 
about  him.’ 

“Then,  with  craft  in  her  heart,  responded  imperial 
Hera :  — 

‘  Thou  wilt  prove  a  deceiver,  nor  bring  thy  word 
to  fulfilment. 

Come,  now,  Olympian,  swear  me  the  oath  that  can¬ 
not  be  broken, 

He  shall,  indeed,  be  king  over  all  the  dwellers  about 
him, 


Book  XIX 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


387 


Whoso  in  birth  this  day  shall  fall  ’twixt  the  feet  of 
a  woman, 

Being  of  human  kind,  and  from  thee  directly  de¬ 
scended.’ 

“Thus  she  spake;  and  Zeus,  in  no  wise  suspecting 
beguilement, 

Swore  her  the  mighty  oath,  and  in  that  was  very 
short-sighted. 

Hera  at  once  hurried  off  and,  leaving  the  peak  of 
Olympos, 

Came  to  Achaian  Argos  at  tearing  pace,  where  she 
haply 

Knew  of  the  beauteous  wife  of  Sthenelos,  offspring  of 
Perseus. 

She  was  with  child  of  a  son,  with  the  seventh  month 
just  at  beginning. 

Him  to  the  light  of  day  brought  Hera,  child  born 
untimely, 

While,  from  Alkmene,  she  hindered  the  birth,  re¬ 
straining  the  Midwives. 

Then  she  herself  made  announcement  to  Zeus  Kron- 
ion  in  this  wise :  — 

“‘Zeus,  dread  lord  of  the  lightning,  a  piece  of  news 
will  I  bring  thee: 

Born  is  that  man-child  already  to  rule  o’er  the  Ar- 
gives,  a  fine  one, 


388 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Even  Eurystheus,  Sthenelos’  son,  descendant  of 
Perseus, 

Thine  own  stock,  —  not  unfitting  to  reign  as  king 
of  the  Argives.’ 


“Thus  she  said;  and  his  inmost  heart  was  smitten 
with  anguish. 

Bitterly  heartsore  and  wroth  he  straightway  Folly, 
the  Temptress, 

Seized  by  the  hair  of  the  head,  and  the  oath  that 
cannot  be  broken 

Swore,  that  cozening  Folly  should  never  return  to 
Olympos. 

Whirling  her  round  by  the  hair  when  the  oath  was 
spoken,  he  cast  her 

Down  from  the  starry  heavens;  and  such  was  her 
coming  to  mortals; 

Yet  did  she  cost  Zeus  many  a  pang,  his  son  seeing 
later 

Bound  to  unseemly  toil ‘in  his  labors  at  hest  of  Eurys¬ 
theus. 

Even  so  I,  when  I  saw  great  crest- waving  Hector 
before  me 

Slaying  the  Argives,  the  Temptress  forgat  not  who 
first  had  betrayed  me. 

But,  since  befooled  I  was,  and  Zeus  of  my  reason 
bereft  me, 


Book  XIX 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


389 


Full  amends  am  I  ready  to  render,  and  penalty 
priceless. 

Up,  then!  on  to  the  battle!  inspirit  the  rest  of  the 
army. 

Gifts  all  told  I  am  ready  to  give,  as  noble  Odysseus 

Yesternight  promised;  and  if  thou  art  willing,  though 
eager  for  battle, 

Wait,  and  pages  shall  bring  thee  the  gifts,  to  prove 
they  content  thee.” 

Achilles  is  impatient  of  delay;  but  Odysseus  reminds  him 
that  the  army  must  breakfast  before  fighting,  and  that 
it  is  better  that  the  gifts  be  delivered  publicly  and 
Agamemnon  take  the  promised  oath.  Agamemnon 
assents,  and  commissions  Odysseus  to  be  master  of  cere¬ 
monies,  and  bids  Talthybios  provide  a  boar  for  sacrifice. 

Straightway,  as  soon  as  was  spoken  the  word,  the 
deed  was  accomplished. 

Forth  from  the  camp  of  Atreides  they  bore  seven 
tripods,  as  promised, 

Also  horses  twelve,  and  twenty  glittering  cauldrons; 

Forth  they  hurrying  brought  the  dames  in  handi¬ 
work  skilful, 

Seven,  and  fair-cheeked  Briseis  the  eighth;  and  care¬ 
ful  Odysseus 

Weighed  ten  talents  of  gold  and,  taking  it,  led  the 
procession 

Back  with  the  gifts  to  the  public  assembly;  and,  up 
Agamemnon 


390 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Rose,  and  beside  him  Talthybios  stood  with  voice 
of  immortals, 

Holding  the  boar;  and,  drawing  his  sheathknife  of 
iron,  Atreides 

Bristles  clipped  from  the  head,  and  with  hands  up¬ 
lifted  to  heaven 

Prayed  unto  Zeus;  and  all  the  Achaians  in  silence 
about  him 

Sat  in  order  and  listened  with  awe,  while  thus  spake 
Atreides :  — 

“First  let  Zeus  be  my  witness,  the  highest  and  best 
of  immortals, 

Aye,  and  the  Sun,  and  Earth,  and  the  stern  Avengers 
who  punish 

Reprobate  men  in  the  world  below  who  swear  to  a 
falsehood, 

Never  a  hand  have  I  laid  on  the  girl  Briseis,  nay, 
neither 

Sharing  her  bed,  and  in  no  wise  —  she  staid  at  my 
quarters  unsullied. 

If,  in  this,  I  am  false,  may  the  gods  grant  sorrow  on 
sorrow.” 

Thus  he  said;  and  lifting  the  knife  that  knoweth  not 

pity, 

Cut  the  throat  of  the  boar;  and  Talthybios  whirled 
it,  and  cast  it 


Book  XIX 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


391 


Into  the  fathomless  sea’s  wild  waste,  as  food  for 
the  fishes. 

Then  Achilles  arose,  and  spake  to  the  Danaans, 
saying :  — 


“ Verily,  Zeus,  thou  givest  to  man  vast  infatuations! 

Never  had  King  Agamemnon  so  rankled  the  soul  in 
my  bosom, 

Never  had  taken  my  damsel  despite  me,  unrecking 
the  issue, 

Saving  that  Zeus  1  so  willed,  meaning  death  to  many 
Achaians. 

Now,  then,  hurry  for  breakfast,  and  get  yourselves 
ready  for  battle.” 


Suiting  action  to  word  he  quickly  dissolved  the 
assembly. 

Scattering  each  to  his  ship  they  departed;  the  Myr¬ 
midons  straightway 

Turned  to  the  gifts,  and  bore  them  away  to  the  ship 
of  Achilles. 

1  The  reader  will  recall  that  Zeus  only  took  sides  in  the 
quarrel  twelve  days  after  it  occurred,  and  then  most  reluc¬ 
tantly;  but  there  is  human  nature  in  the  agreement  of  both 
parties  that  the  gods  were  responsible  for  their  folly: 

“Adam  began  it  at  the  tree: 

The  woman  that  Thou  gavest  me.” 


392 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


These  they  deposited  well  in  the  camp,  there  seated 
the  women, 

Then  the  horses  were  driven  by  the  squires  where 
horses  were  herded. 

Now  when  Briseis,  returning  as  fair  as  bright  Aphro¬ 
dite, 

Saw  before  her  the  spear-mangled  form  of  lifeless 
Patroklos, 

Loud  were  her  wails  as  she  fell  on  the  body  in  out¬ 
burst  of  sorrow, 

Wildly  tearing  her  beauteous  face,  her  neck,  and  her 
bosom. 

Fair  in  her  tears  as  a  goddess  is  fair  she  mournfully 
murmured :  — 

T 

“0  Patroklos,  to  me  in  my  wretchedness  kindest  of 
all  men! 

How  to  me,  and  forever,  hath  evil  succeeded  to  evil ! 

Husband,  to  whom  my  father  and  loving  mother 
had  given  me, 

Saw  I  spear-torn  and  slain  in  front  of  our  city,  Lyr- 
nessos; 

Also  my  brethren  three  —  'twas  the  selfsame  mother 
that  bore  us  — 

Dear  ones,  alongside  my  husband,  by  day  of  their 
doom  overtaken. 


Book  XIX 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


393 


Yet,  even  then,  when  my  husband  was  slain  by 
mighty  Achilles, 

Then  when  the  city  of  Mynes,  my  native  city,  was 
wasted, 

E’en  in  calamity’s  face  thou  soughtest,  Patroklos, 
to  cheer  me, 

Saying  the  wedded  wife  I  should  be  of  godlike 
Achilles, 

Even  be  taken  to  Phthia  and  wedded  with  Myrmidon 
honors. 

Therefore  I  weep  thee,  unceasingly  weep,  thou  com¬ 
passionate  always.” 


Thus  she  spake  in  her  tears,  and  the  women  joined 
in  her  moaning, 

Each  for  her  own  sad  past,  intermingled  with  grief 
for  Patroklos. 


The  Achaians  and  Achilles  Prepare  for 

Battle 

Thick  as  the  snowflakes  of  Winter  come  fluttering 
down  from  the  heavens, 

Frosty,  and  driven  by  the  blast  of  the  Northwind, 
child  of  the  ether, 

So  thick,  then,  were  the  helmets,  the  shields,  the 
spears,  and  the  breastplates, 


394 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Streaming  all  bright  from  the  ships;  and  the  splendor 
mounted  to  heaven, 

Yea,  and  the  whole  earth  laughed  with  the  lightning 
gleam,  and  it  thundered 

Under  the  tread  of  the  soldiers;  and  mid  them 
Achilles  was  arming. 

First  his  greaves  he  put  on,  to  his  ankles  fastened 
with  silver, 

Then  his  breastplate  assumed,  and  his  sword  slung 
over  his  shoulders; 

Next  he  lifted  his  shield,  like  the  full-orbed  moon  in 
its  brightness. 

Even  as  over  the  sea  a  light  appeareth  to  sailors, 

Light  from  a  fire  on  a  hill-top  high  in  the  hut  of  a 
shepherd, 

While,  away  from  their  friends,  they  are  driven  to 
sea  by  a  tempest, 

So  from  the  shield  of  Achilles  the  splendor  rose  to 
the  ether. 

Then  his  helmet  with  horse-hair  crest  he  donned  — 
it  was  massive  — 

Thickly  set  as  a  horse-mane  with  golden  threads 
by  Hephaistos. 

Lo,  it  gleamed  like  a  star!  His  father’s  spear  from 
the  spear-case  . 

Lastly  he  drew;  it  was  heavy  —  no  other  Achaian 
could  wield  it 

Saving  Achilles  alone — the  ash-spear  given  to  Peleus, 


Book  XIX 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


395 


Cut  by  Cheiron  on  Pelion’s  peak,  a  destruction  to 
heroes. 

Then  Automedon,  Alkimus  helping  him,  harnessed 
the  horses, 

Buckled  about  them  the  beautiful  straps,  adjusted 
the  bridles, 

Stretching  behind  them  the  reins  to  the  chariot 
strong.  As  he  mounted 

Whip  in  hand,  behind  him  Achilles  stepped,  in  his 
armor 

Blazing  as  blazeth  the  sun  in  his  midday  course,  and 
in  this  wise 

Sharply  upbraided  the  horses  —  the  god-given  horses 
of  Peleus:  — 


“Xanthos  and  Balios  both,  Podarge’s  glorious 
children, 

Be  ye  otherwise  minded  to  bring  your  master  in 
safety 

Back  to  the  Danaan  host  when  the  battle  ceaseth, 
not  leave  him 

Lying  dead  on  the  field  as  ye  left  unhappy  Patroklos.” 


Then,  from  under  the  yoke,  spake  Xanthos,  swift¬ 
footed  war-horse  — 

Suddenly  gifted  with  speech  by  white-armed  Hera, 
the  goddess  — 


396 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XIX 


Bowing  the  while  his  head;  and  all  his  mane  from 
the  cushion 

Crept  out  down  by  the  yoke  and  swept  the  earth, 
as  he  answered :  — 


“  Verily,  yet  for  a  time  will  we  save  thee,  mighty 
Achilles, 

Yet  is  the  day  of  thy  doom  hard  by  thee,  in  waiting; 
nor  blame  ye 

Us  as  the  cause,  but  a  god  of  might,  and  fate  over¬ 
powering. 

Not  by  reason  of  slowness  nor  other  remissness  of 
ours 


1 

Tore  the  Trojans  the  mail  from  the  shoulders  of 
fallen  Patroklos, 

No,  but  a  god  of  the  highest,  the  son  of  lovely-haired 
Leto, 

Slew  him  in  front  of  the  fray,  and  gave  the  glory  to 
Hector. 

We  twain  even  might  speed  like  a  blast  of  blustering 
Zephyr  — 

Swiftest,  they  say,  of  winds  —  but  the  hoof-beats  of 
fate  are  behind  thee! 

Here,  thou  also  must  fall,  and  a  god  and  a  mortal 
shall  slay  thee.” 


Book  XIX 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


397 


Thus  much  Xanthos  disclosed  when  speech  the 
Avengers  denied  him. 

Swayed  by  bitter  emotion  Achilles  said  in  rejoinder:  - 

“Xanthos,  wherefore  to  me  my  death  foretell?  It  is 
needless. 

Well  I  know  of  myself  that  here  my  doom  shall  o’er- 
take  me, 

Far  from  father  and  mother  dear;  yet  falter  I  will  not, 

No,  nor  withhold  my  hand  till  Troy  hath  a  surfeit 
of  fighting.” 

Then,  as  his  war-shout  rang,  to  the  battle-field 
thundered  the  horses. 


BOOK  XXII1 


Panting  like  fear-stricken  fawns  the  Trojans  who 
won  to  the  city  t 

Once  and  again  were  drinking  to  quench  the  thirst 
that  consumed  them, 

Then  on  the  parapet  stood  for  coolness;  but,  anxious 
no  longer, 

On  toward  the  wall  the  Danaans  marched  with 
shields  on  their  shoulders. 

Front  of  the  Skaian  Gates,  outside  the  city,  was  Hector 
Chained,  as  it  were,  to  the  spot,  for  fate  accursed 
constrained  him. 

Then  to  Achilles,  still  sharp  in  pursuit,  spake  Phoibos 
Apollo :  — 

1  The  omitted  books,  XX  and  XXI,  are  confessedly  below 
the  general  standard  of  the  Iliad,  and  very  little  in  either 
appears  to  be  part  of  the  original  story.  To  maintain  the 
connection  it  is  only  necessary  for  the  reader  to  know  that 
Achilles  wins  a  signal  victory.  He  divides  the  Trojan  forces, 
and  one  part  he  drives  toward  the  river  and  slays  many;  but 
when  he  turns  upon  the  other  part  who  are  fleeing  to  the  city, 
Apollo  fires  Agenor  to  meet  him  in  single  fight;  and  when  he 
has  thus  distracted  the  attention  of  Achilles  snatches  Agenor 
away,  and  himself  takes  the  form  of  the  latter,  and  pretends 
to  flee  in  the  opposite  direction  just  beyond  the  reach  of 
Achilles,  who  wastes  his  time  in  vain  pursuit.  When  Book 
XXII  opens  Achilles  has  not  yet  discovered  his  mistake. 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


399 


“Wherefore,  thou  son  of  Peleus,  thy  swift  feet  tire 
in  pursuing  — 

Thou  who  art  mortal  still  following  me,  a  god  and 
immortal? 

Thou  dost  not  know  me  that  I  am  a  god,  and  art  mad 
altogether ! 

Feeble  advantage  thou  tak’st  of  the  sorry  plight  of 
the  Trojans! 

They  are  escaped  to  the  city  while  vainly  thou  dog- 
gest  my  footsteps. 

Me  thou  wilt  slay  not,  try  as  thou  mayest;  perish  I 
cannot.” 


Bitterly  wroth  was  Achilles,  who  straightway  an¬ 
swered  him,  saying :  — 

“Thou  hast  befooled  me,  Far- Worker,  of  all  the  gods 
most  accursed, 

Guilefully  turning  me  here  from  the  wall  by  thy 
witchcraft;  otherwise  many, 

Many  a  Trojan  had  bitten  the  dust  ere  he  entered 
the  city. 

So,  of  the  fruits  of  my  victory  earned  I  am  cheated; 
them  thou  hast  rescued 

Easy  of  heart,  since  nowise  thou  dreadest  my  ven¬ 
geance  hereafter. 

Vengeance  I  surely  would  take  if  power  to  mete  it 
were  in  me.” 


400 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Thus  he  said  in  the  pride  of  his  heart,  and  was  gone 
to  the  city, 

Speeding  as  speedeth  a  horse,  a  winner  of  chariot 
races, 

When,  at  a  furious  pace,  it  stretcheth  away  on  the 
race-course; 

Even  so  swiftly  Achilles  plied  feet  and  knees  to  the 
city. 

First  of  all  was  the  eye  of  the  old  man,  Priam,  to  see 
him 

Dashing  across  the  plain,  and  blazing  as  Sirius  blazeth, 

Star  which  cometh  at  harvest  tide  and,  peerless  in 
glory, 

Paleth  the  myriad  stars  as  darkness  deepens  at  night¬ 
fall, 

Star  which  for  second  name  men  call  the  “Dog  of 
Orion.” 

Brightest,  brightest  is  he,  yet  is  set  for  an  omen  of 
evil  — 

Fever  and  death  is  the  harvest  he  beareth  to  shud¬ 
dering  mortals: 

Ominous,  thus,  was  the  glare  of  the  arms  of  on-coming 
Achilles. 

Crazed  at  the  sight  the  old  man  groaned,  and  in  wild 
apprehension 

Shrieked  to  his  son  his  entreaties;  for  Hector  in  front 
of  the  gateway 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


401 


Stood  with  resolute  heart,  determined  to  fight  with 
Achilles. 

Lifting  his  hands  in  pathetic  appeal  the  old  man 
besought  him :  — 

“  Hector,  stay  not  to  face,  dear  son,  this  man  single- 
handed, 

One  who  is  mightier  far,  lest  thy  end  be  certain  and 
speedy, 

Merciless!  would  he  were  dear  to  the  gods  as  to  me, 
and  no  more  so, 

Then  were  he  dead  on  the  field,  and  dogs  and  kites 
would  devour  him  — 

Then  would  the  ache  of  my  heart  have  some  of  its 
misery  lessened. 

Think  of  my  many  sons  he  hath  slain  or  sold  into 
bondage ! 

Even  now  two  of  my  children,  Lykaon  and  young 
Polydoros, 

I  am  not  able  to  see  mid  the  men  got  back  to  the  city! 

If,  indeed,  they  be  dead,  gone  down  to  the  mansions 
of  Hades, 

Grief  will  it  be  to  my  soul,  and  grief  to  the  mother 
who  bare  them, 

Yet  to  the  rest  of  the  people  the  pain  will  be  little 
enduring  — 

Little  so  thou  diest  not,  cut  off  by  the  hand  of 
Achilles. 


vol.  n  —  26 


402 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Come,  now,  enter  the  wall,  dear  son,  and  be  the 
preserver 

Both  of  the  men  and  the  women  of  Troy,  nor  cover 
Achilles 

Over  with  glory,  thyself  and  thy  sweet  life  being  the 
forfeit. 

Pity  thy  father,  the  aged,  yet  instinct  with  fore¬ 
sight  and  feeling, 

Ill-starred,  doomed  by  Kronides  Zeus  to  be  slain, 
and  my  footsteps 

Leave  life’s  ultimate  threshold  my  last  sights  visions 
of  horror, 

Sons  being  slain,  my  daughters  and  sons’  wives 
dragged  into  bondage, 

Infant  children  dashed  to  the  earth  in  the  fury  of 
carnage.  1 

Desolate  chambers  behind  me,  at  last,  in  front  of 
my  doorway 

Dogs  of  ravin  will  tear  me  dead,  dogs  fed  at  my 
table 

Maddened  by  drinking  my  blood,  when  soul  is  parted 
from  body 

Slain  by  a  ruthless  hand.  With  young  men  all 
things  are  seemly, 

Even  when  dead  on  the  field  with  sword-cuts  gashed 
and  with  spear-thrusts; 

But,  when  an  old  man  dead,  gray-headed,  gray- 
bearded  and  shrunken, 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


403 


Dogs  dishonor  his  body  in  hideous  nakedness 
lying  — 

That  is  the  ghastliest  fate  that  befalleth  suffering 
mortals.” 

Thus  he  said,  and  from  hoary  head  in  agonized 
passion 

Tore  off  the  whitened  hair,  but  moved  not  the  spirit 
of  Hector. 

Next,  his  mother,  her  tears  streaming  down,  with 
pitiful  moanings 

Bared  her  bosom  with  one  hand,  the  breasts  upraised 
with  the  other, 

Then,  in  tears,  and  in  winged  words,  appealed  to 
him,  saying :  — 

“  Hector,  reverence  these,  my  child,  if  in  infancy 
ever 

I  by  this  breast  have  nursed  thee  to  sleep,  and  pity 
thy  mother. 

Think  of  it,  darling  child,  and  inside  the  walls  of  the 
city 

Baffle  this  ruthless  foo,  not  stand  sole  fighter  against 
him. 

Merciless  man !  should  he  slay  thee,  not  I,  the  mother 
who  bare  thee 

Ever  would  weep  at  thy  funeral  bier,  thou  flower  of 
my  children, 


404 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


No,  nor  thy  hardly- won  wife;  but  far,  very  far  from 
thy  kindred, 

Dead  at  the  Argive  ships  vile  dogs  will  haste  to 
devour  thee.” 

Thus  with  crying  and  tears  they  besought,  but  Hec¬ 
tor  they  moved  not, 

Stedfast  of  heart  to  remain  and  face  gigantic 
Achilles. 

Like  as  a  snake  in  his  mountain  haunt,  full-fed  upon 
poisons, 

Faceth  intruder’s  approach,  and,  swelling  with 
furious  anger, 

Meets  him  with  baleful  stare  all  coiled  for  a  spring  in 
the  snake-den, 

So,  with  purpose  unshaken,  stood  Hector,  instant 
for  conflict, 

Leaning  against  his  spear  by  a  jutting  tower  of  the 
gateway. 

Stirred  by  bitter  reflections  his  proud  heart  pondered 
in  this  wise:  — 

“Woe  is  to  me  if  I  enter  the  gates,  though  walls  be 
my  shelter! 

First  will  Polydamas  taunt  me,  who  urged  me  to 
march  to  the  city 

During  that  fatal  night  when  Achilles  woke  to  the 
conflict; 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


405 


Yet  I  heeded  him  not,  and  ’twere  better  far  had  I 
heeded. 

Now  that  the  army  is  lost,  and  my  own  rash  folly 
hath  lost  it, 

Shamed  in  sight  of  the  Trojans,  the  mute  reproach 
of  her  women, 

People  less  daring  than  I  am  hereafter  will  speak  of 
me,  saying :  — 

‘Hector  relied  on  his  strength,  and  his  rashness  cost 
us  the  army.’ 

Thus  will  they  say,  and  with  truth;  and  for  me  it 
were  manifold  better 

Man  against  man  to  slay  him,  and  make  my  return 
as  a  victor, 

Or,  after  glorious  fight,  to  die  in  front  of  the  city. 

What  if  I  part  with  my  shield,  lay  aside  my  spear  and 
my  helmet, 

Go  meet  Achilles  unarmed,  and  promise  to  give  the 
Atreidai 

Helen  and  all  the  possessions  brought  hither  by 
prince  Alexander  — 

All  that  was  cause  of  the  war  —  and  also  divide  in 
addition 

All  that  the  city  containeth,  confirmed  by  vote  of  the 
elders 

Not  to  conceal  one  thing,  but  make  an  equal  division — 

Nay,  these  are  dreams,  unsubstantial,  no  time  to 
give  way  to  such  fancies! 


406 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Granted  I  went  with  proposals  like  these,  unarmed 
as  a  woman, 

He  would  slay  me  I  know,  with  neither  respect  nor 
compassion. 

He  is  no  amorous  nymph,  not  born  of  a  rock  nor  an 
oak-tree, 

One  to  be  wooed  and  won  over  as  swain  payeth  court 
to  a  maiden, 

After  the  manner  of  maiden  and  swain  paying  court 
to  each  other. 

Better,  in  different  sort,  right  now  rush  together  in 
combat, 

Learning  to  which  of  the  twain  the  Olympian  victory 
giveth.” 

Thus  he  waited  and  mused,  and  lo,  Achilles  was  on 
him, 

Awful  as  Ares  the  war-god,  the  death-dealing  shaker- 
of-helmets, 

Brandishing  over  his  shoulder  the  spear  of  Peleus 
his  father 

Poised  and  portentous;  and  round  him  the  bronze- 
glint  sheen  of  his  armor 

Flamed  like  a  blazing  fire,  or  the  sun  as  it  riseth  in 
splendor. 

Fear  gat  hold  of  Hector  beholding;  longer  he  dared  not 

Keep  to  his  place,  he  abandoned  the  gates,  and  was 
off  in  a  panic. 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


407 


Hotly  Achilles  pursued,  secure  in  the  pride  of  his 
swiftness. 

Just  as  the  hawk  of  the  mountains,  the  creature  that 
flyeth  the  swiftest, 

Darteth  with  easy  grace  in  pursuit  of  a  timorous 
pigeon, 

She  underneath  in  the  terror  of  flight;  and  he, scream¬ 
ing  sharply, 

Ofttimes  pounceth  adown,  and  his  heart  is  bent  on 
the  capture; 

So  straight  at  him  Achilles  was  flying,  and  Hector  in 
terror 

Fled  neath  the  Trojan  walls,  and  plied  his  knees  to  the 
utmost. 

They,  along  by  the  lookout,  along  by  the  breezy 
wild-fig  tree, 

Ever  from  under  the  wall,  and  down  by  the  wagon- 
road  dashing, 

Came  to  the  fountains,  the  fair-flowing  twain;  and 
there  were  the  sources 

Twain  upspringing  from  earth  to  feed  the  swirling 
Skamander. 

One  of  the  two  was  flowing  with  water  warm,  and 
about  it 

Steam  was  spreading  therefrom  as  smoke  from  the 
flame  of  a  fire; 

Cold  the  water  the  other  was  running,  —  cold  as  a 
hailstone, 


408 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Cold  as  the  driven  snow,  or  water  hardened  to  crystal. 

There,  too,  close  by  these,  were  broad  tanks,  beauti¬ 
ful  stonework, 

Where,  in  the  days  of  peace  ere  the  Argives  com¬ 
passed  the  city, 

Troy’s  fair  wives  and  her  daughters  once  washed 
their  glistening  raiment. 

By,  by  these  they  ran,  one  fleeing,  the  other  pur¬ 
suing, 

Both  at  a  tearing  pace;  for  neither  for  victim  nor 
bull’s-hide 

Toiled  they  —  the  usual  prize  men  offer  for  winning 
a  footrace  — 

No,  but  the  stake  of  the  race  was  the  life  of  chivalrous 
Hector. 

Even  as  rounding  a  goal  the  prize-winning  storm¬ 
footed  horses 

Sweep  at  a  mighty  pace,  and  a  mighty  prize  lieth 
ready, 

Either  a  tripod  or  woman,  at  funeral  games  of  a  hero, 

So,  now,  thrice  did  the  twain  encircle  the  city  of 
Priam 

Borne  by  their  hurrying  feet;  and  all  the  gods  were 
beholding. 

First  of  them  all  to  speak  was  the  father  of  men  and 
immortals, 

Saying,  “Ah  me,  it  grieves  me  to  see  a  man  so  be¬ 
loved 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


409 


Fleeing  for  life  round  the  wall;  my  heart  is  heavy  for 
Hector 

Who,  on  the  summits  of  Ida  as  well  as  the  heights  of 
the  city 

Failed  not  to  burn  in  mine  honor  fat  haunches  of 
oxen;  for  all  that 

Now  with  relentless  foot  is  he  hunted  to  death  by 
Achilles. 

Come  now,  consider,  ye  gods,  and  determine  whether 
to  save  him, 

Or,  is  his  time  now  come,  and  Achilles  appointed  to 
slay  him?” 

Then,  for  answer,  responded  the  goddess,  bright¬ 
eyed  Athena : — 

“Sire  of  the  lightning  gleam,  cloud-darkener,  wild 
is  thy  saying! 

Being  a  mortal  man,  and  his  doom-day  long  ago 
settled, 

Would’st  thou,  his  course  now  run,  from  the  death- 
shadow  back  again  snatch  him? 

Do  it;  but  know  that  the  rest  of  the  gods  are  all 
disapproving.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  dread  Zeus  who 
darkeneth  heaven :  — 

“Cheer  up,  Tritogeneia,  my  daughter,  seeing  I  spoke 
not 


410 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Owing  to  settled  resolve,  and  to  thee  would  fain  be 
indulgent. 

All  that  thy  heart  may  prompt  thee  to  do,  do  it, 
nothing  withholding.” 


Thus  he  said,  and  incited  Athena  who  needed  no 
urging; 

So,  on  her  errand  of  death,  she  dashed  down  the 

heights  of  Olympos. 

\  ,  '  . 

Then,  with  relentless  foot  was  Hector  pressed  by 
Achilles. 

Even  as  dog,  having  stirred  from  its  covert  the  fawn 
of  a  deer, 

Driveth  it  sharply  through  winding  dells  and  glens 
of  a  mountain, 

And,  though  it  seeketh  escape  and  hideth  itself  in 
the  thickets, 

Yet  keepeth  tracking  him  out,  and  runneth  unceas¬ 
ing,  and  finds  him; 

Even  so  Hector  escaped  not  the  eye  of  wary  Achilles. 

Often  as  he  might  essay  to  reach  the  Dardanian  gate¬ 
way, 

Often  to  turn  him  aside  as  he  came  by  the  towers  of 
the  rampart, 

Hoping  his  friends  from  above  would  impede  Achilles 
with  missiles, 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


411 


Just  so  often  the  latter  with  quick  prevision  would 
turn  him 

Back  once  more  to  the  plain,  and  himself  kept  the 
path  next  the  city. 

Even  as  one  in  a  dream  of  being  pursued  or  pursuing 

Never  can  scape  from  the  danger  behind,  nor  catch 
the  pursued  one, 

Even  so  neither  could  gain  on  his  foe,  nor  pursued 
nor  pursuer. 

Thus  would  Hector  have  scaped  from  o’ershadowing 
death  altogether 

Only  that  now  was  the  last,  the  very  last  time  that 
Apollo 

Stood  anigh  to  his  aid,  and  quickened  his  knees  and 
his  spirit, 

Seeing  Achilles  by  nod  of  the  head  had  warned  the 
Achaians, 

Neither  allowed  them  to  cast  any  pestilent  arrows 
at  Hector, 

Fearing  that  some  one  might  hit  him,  and  he  at  the 
slaying  be  second. 

But,  when  the  hurrying  twain  for  the  fourth  time 
came  to  the  fountains, 

Right  then  Zeus,  the  All-father,  his  golden  balances 
poising, 

Placed  two  fates  in  the  opposite  scales,  of  death,  the 
destroyer, 

One  of  Achilles,  the  other  of  Hector,  tamer-of-horses, 


412 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Holding  the  beam  by  the  middle;  and  sealed  was  the 
death-doom  of  Hector, 

His  scale  sinking  to  Hades,  —  and  Phoibos  Apollo 
forsook  him. 

Then  to  the  side  of  Achilles,  the  goddess,  bright-eyed 
Athena, 

Came,  and  in  light-flitting  words  she  said  as  she 
halted  anigh  him: 

“Sure  are  my  hopes  this  day  for  both  of  us,  mighty 
Achilles, 

Even  to  bear  to  the  ships  a  victory  great  for  the 
Argives, 

Hector  being  our  spoil,  albeit  he  battle  untiring. 

Longer  he  cannot  escape  us,  no,  not  if  far-darting 
Apollo 

Weep,  and  grovel,  and  beg  great  Zeus  who  wieldeth 
the  aegis. 

Stand  thou  here,  nothing  more,  and  get  breath;  to 
go  after  this  fellow 

I  will  take  on  myself,  and  beguile  him  to  manful  en¬ 
counter." 

Thus  said  Athena.  Achilles  complied,  and  with 
inward  elation 

Halted  as  bid,  and  leaned  on  his  spear  bronze-pointed 
and  ashen. 

She,  then  leaving  him  there,  went  on  and  overtook 
Hector, 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


% 


413 


Shape  and  untiring  voice  of  his  brother,  Deiphobos, 
taking. 

Nigh  him  she  drew,  and  in  winged  words,  deluded 
him,  saying :  — 


“  Brother,  right  sorely,  I  trow,  hath  mighty  Achilles 
beset  thee, 

Chasing  thee  time  after  time  all  round  the  city  of 
Priam. 

Come,  let  us  stand  our  ground,  together  abiding  his 
onset.” 


Then  to  Athena,  for  answer,  replied  great  crest- 
waving  Hector :  — 

“  Dearest  of  brethren  by  far,  Deiphobos,  wert  thou 
aforetime, 

Even  of  all  the  sons  to  Hekabe  born  and  to  Priam. 

Even  more  yet  I  honor  thee  now,  who  ventured  for 
my  sake 

Forth  to  come  from  the  wall  while  the  rest  stay 
skulking  behind  it.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  goddess,  bright¬ 
eyed  Athena : — 

“Brother,  ’tis  true  that  father  and  mother  and  all 
of  our  kindred 

Begged  and  besought  me  one  after  another  to  stay 
in  the  city. 


414 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Awful  as  that  is  the  panic,  and  all  are  quaking  with 
terror : 

Yet  the  heart  in  my  breast  was  too  troubled,  seeing 
thy  danger. 

Now  for  a  dash,  and  a  man-to-man  fight,  and  no 
sparing  of  spears! 

Let  us  find  out  if  Achilles  can  finish  us  both,  and  our 
armor 

Bear  as  a  spoil  to  the  ships,  or  thy  spear  end  his  pre¬ 
sumption.” 

Such  was  her  talk;  and  misled  by  her  guile  he  fol¬ 
lowed  Athena. 

When  they  had  drawn  anigh  as  they  came  to  meet 
one  another, 

First  of  the  twain  to  speak  to  his  foe  was  crest-waving 
Hector :  — 

“Longer  I  fear  thee  not,  son  of  Peleus,  e’en  as  afore¬ 
time 

Thrice  round  the  city  of  Priam  I  fled,  avoiding  thy 
onset. 

Otherwise  now  is  my  purpose,  to  stand  and  slay  thee, 
or  perish. 

First  let  us  call  on  the  gods  to  witness  and  safeguard 
our  compact. 

I  will  agree  no  unseemly  abasement  to  do  to  thy 
body, 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


415 


Should  I  prevail,  and  slay  thee,  and  Zeus  maketh 
me  the  survivor; 

No,  but  when  I  have  taken  thy  glorious  armor, 
Achilles, 

Then  will  I  give  to  the  Argives  thy  body;  promise 
thou  likewise.” 


Grim  was  the  look  of  Achilles  as  fiercely  he  answered 
him,  saying:  — 

“Hector,  talk  not  to  me,  thou  madman,  of  compacts 
between  us : 

Never  have  lions  and  men  made  truce  or  mutual 
pledges, 

Neither  do  wolves  and  lambs  have  hearts  in  unison 
beating, 

No,  but  mischief  imagine  unceasing,  one  to  the 
other; 

So  ’twixt  us  is  no  love  lost,  nor  chance  for  mutual 
pledges, 

Not  till  one  of  us  fall,  and  his  blood  glut  Ares,  the 
war-god. 

Call  to  thine  aid  every  spark  of  thy  manhood;  bit¬ 
terly  need’st  thou 

Prove  thee  a  spearman  true,  a  warrior  stout  and 
unblenching, 

Further  escape  is  there  none,  for  Pallas  Athena  hath 
doomed  thee 


416 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Under  my  spear  to  fall;  and  payment  in  full  shalt 
thou  render 

Now  for  my  comrades  slain  when  thy  spear  raged 
madly  in  battle.” 


So,  on  ceasing,  he  levelled  and  threw  his  long-shad¬ 
owed  spear. 

Hector,  seeing  it  come,  crouched  down  and  avoided 
the  spear-cast; 

Over  his  head  it  flew,  and  was  fixed  in  the  earth; 
but  Athena 

Snatched  it  forth  and  returned  it;  and,  nowise  seeing 
it,  Hector 

Said  to  his  matchless  foe,  “Thy  spear  hath  missed 
me,  Achilles, 

Neither  from  Zeus  wast  thou  ware  of  my  fate,  though 
loudly  thou  saidst  it. 

Nay,  thou  art  clever  of  speech,  and  thy  words  are 
crafty  and  thievish, 

Meant  to  make  me  afraid,  and  steal  from  me  courage 
and  valor. 

Hope  not  that  I  shall  take  flight  and  expose  my  back 
to  thy  spear-stroke, 

No,  I  shall  dash  straight  on,  and  receive  thy  shaft 
in  my  bosom 

If,  as  thou  sayest,  the  gods  so  will;  now,  in  thy  turn, 
avoid  thee 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


417 


My  spear  of  bronze,  and  oh,  how  I  wish  in  thy  flesh 
it  were  buried! 

Then  would  the  burden  of  war  be  lighter  far  to  the 
Trojans, 

Thou  being  brought  to  thy  death  who  hast  been 
their  greatest  destruction.” 


Thus  having  spoken  he  levelled  and  cast  his  long- 
shadowed  spear 

Boldly,  and  missed  not,  —  the  shield  of  Peleides  he 
hit  in  the  centre,  — 

Yet,  far  away  from  the  shield  it  glanced  and  re¬ 
bounded;  and  Hector 

Angered,  seeing  in  vain  he  had  cast  the  ponderous 
weapon, 

Stood  there  confounded,  his  spear  had  been  cast,  nor 

had  he  another. 

/ 

Then  he  Deiphobos  called,  his  white-shielded  brother, 
and  loudly, 

Asking  a  fresh  long  spear,  —  there  was  no  Deiphobos 
nigh  him! 

Then  in  his  heart  of  hearts  sank  the  awful  truth, 
and  he  muttered :  — 


“Lo,  to  my  death  the  immortals  have  called  me, 
and  loud  is  the  summons ! 

Surely  I  thought  I  saw  the  hero  Deiphobos  by  me, 
vol.  ii  —  27 


418 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Yet  he  is  safe  in  the  wall,  and  the  shape  a  disguise 
of  Athena. 

Now  close  upon  me  is  death  the  unmerciful!  Distant 
it  is  not, 

Shun  it  I  cannot!  Abandoned  by  Zeus  and  far- 
darting  Apollo, 

Erstwhile  my  watchful  defenders,  dread  fate  hath 
followed  and  found  me! 

Now,  then,  to  die,  but  not  without  effort,  not  without 
glory! 

Now  for  unflinching  achievement  that  men  of  the 
future  shall  hear  of!” 

Suiting  action  to  word  he  drew  the  falchion  mighty 

Hanging  along  by  his  side  and,  collecting  himself 
for  an  effort, 

Darted  like  high-flying  eagle  which  cometh  suddenly 
earthward 

Down  through  the  louring  clouds,  and  intent,  for  his 
prey,  upon  snatching 

Either  a  new-born  lamb,  or  hare  that  is  crouching  in 
terror : 

Even  like  that  on  Achilles  sprang  Hector,  shaking 
his  broad-sword. 

Hasting  to  meet  him,  the  latter,  nigh  bursting  with 
furious  anger 

Held  before  him  his  beautiful  targe  with  its  curious 
markings, 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


419 


Shaking  his  helmet  bright  with  its  fourfold  crest  and 
its  horsehair. 

Like  to  the  star  that  at  nightfall  outshineth  its 
comely  companions  — 

Hesperus,  fairest  of  stars  whose  beauty  is  set  in  the 
heavens  — 

Such  was  the  gleam  of  the  spear-point  keen  which 
before  him  Achilles 

Shook  in  his  stout  right  hand  with  deadly  purpose  to 
Hector, 

Eyeing  his  beautiful  flesh  for  the  fittest  spot  to  trans¬ 
fix  him. 

Now  all  the  rest  of  his  body  was  fenced  by  the 
beautiful  armor 

Reft  as  spoil  from  the  slain  when  he  vanquished  the 
might  of  Patroklos; 

But,  where  his  collar-bones  met,  disuniting  the  neck 
from  the  shoulder, 

There  the  gullet  appeared,  where  the  speeding  of 
life  is  the  quickest. 

There,  as  Hector  rushed  on,  Achilles  planted  a  spear- 
stroke, 

Driving  the  point  right  through,  but  failing  to 
sunder  the  windpipe 

So  that  he  still  might  speak  the  warnings  of  fate  to 
his  slayer. 

Down  in  the  dust  he  fell,  and  above  him  vaunted 
Achilles :  — 


420 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


“  Hector,  fondly  thou  thoughtest  when  stripping  the 
arms  from  Patroklos, 

Thou  wouldst  be  safe,  and  dreadedst  me  not  because 
I  was  absent. 

Fool!  for  afar,  by  the  hollow  ships,  a  stouter  avenger, 

I,  even  I,  was  left,  and  thy  knees  have  I  palsied;  and 
foully 

Dogs  and  kites  shall  entreat  thee,  but  he  have  a 
glorious  funeral.” 

Then,  and  his  voice  was  faint,  said  crest-waving 
Hector  in  answer :  — 

“Now  by  thy  life,  by  thy  knees,  and  thine  own  fond 
parents,  I  pray  thee 

Suffer  me  not  at  the  ships  to  be  torn  by  the  dogs  of 
the  Argives, 

Nay,  but  of  bronze  and  of  gold  accept  to  thy  full 
satisfaction 

Ransom  my  father  will  pay  and  the  queenly  mother 
that  bare  me; 

Then  give  my  body  again  that  the  Trojans  and  wives 
of  the  Trojans 

Burn  me  at  home,  on  the  funeral  pyre,  with  rites  that 
are  seemly.” 

Grim  was  the  look  of  Achilles  as  thus  he  said  in 
rejoinder:  — 

“Talk  not  to  me,  thou  dog,  nor  beg  me  by  knees  nor 
by  parents! 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


421 


Would  I  could  bring  my  mind  to  cut  thee  in  pieces, 
and  eat  thee 

Raw  for  the  deeds  thou  hast  done;  and  none  the  less 
am  I  certain 

Man  doth  not  live  who  can  drive  from  thy  head  the 
dogs  that  shall  rend  it, 

Not  should  he  proffer  right  here  a  ten-fold  or  twenty¬ 
fold  ransom, 

Aye,  and  twice  as  much  promise;  nay,  not  if  Dar- 
danian  Priam 

Offered  thy  weight  in  gold,  not  then  should  the 
mother  that  bare  thee 

Wail  o’er  thee  laid  on  a  bier;  but  dogs  and  vultures 
shall  eat  thee.” 

Then,  and  his  death  was  nigh,  spake  crest-waving 
Hector  in  answer :  — 

“Now  as  thou  art  I  see  thee,  unyielding,  with  heart 
as  of  iron. 

Yet  beware  lest  for  my  sake  the  wrath  of  the  gods 
shall  pursue  thee, 

And,  on  thy  day  of  fate,  with  theSkaianGates  as  a  witness, 

Paris  and  Phoibos  Apollo  shall  slay  thee,  thy  might 
notwithstanding .  ’  ’ 

These  were  his  final  words,  and  the  death-shadow 
covered  him  wholly. 

Gone  from  his  limbs  was  the  soul,  and  downward  to 
Hades  it  fluttered 


422 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Mourning  his  fate,  and  leaving  unlived  his  youth 
and  his  manhood. 

Then,  tho’  he  spake  to  the  dead,  Achilles  answered 
him,  saying :  — 


“Die!  and  for  my  death  I  wait  its  approach  and 
shall  welcome  it,  even, 

Any  time  Zeus  and  the  rest  of  the  gods  are  pleased  to 
decree  it.” 

Thus  he  said,  and  withdrew  from  the  dead  the 
ponderous  spear, 

Laying  it  down  at  a  distance;  and  then  from  his 
shoulders  the  armor 

Rent,  all  covered  with  blood;  meanwhile  the  other 
Achaians 

Up  about  them  came  running,  and  stood  there  gazing 
with  wonder 

Both  at  the  stalwart  frame  and  wondrous  beauty 
of  Hector. 

Not  a  man  of  them  all  but  stabbed  him,  and  said  to 
his  neighbor :  — 

“Look  at  him!  Easier  far  is  this  same  Hector  to 
deal  with 

Now  than  yesterday,  bringing  his  fire  to  burn  up  our 
shipping.” 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


423 


Thus  they  said  to  each  other,  and  stood  about  him 
and  stabbed  him. 

Then,  as  soon  as  the  armor  was  reft  from  the  body, 
Achilles 

Rose  and  in  winged  words  addressed  the  Danaans, 
saying :  — 


“Hearken  to  me,  my  friends,  ye  leaders  and  princes 
of  Argos: 

Seeing  by  grace  of  the  gods  this  man  is  removed, 
who  aforetime 

Did  us  many  an  ill,  yea,  more  than  the  rest  alto¬ 
gether, 

Come,  let  us  take  our  arms,  and  make  assault  on  the 
city, 

Thus  ascertaining  how  Troy  feeleth  now,  this  man 
having  fallen, 

Whether  abandon  their  high-walled  town,  or  stay 
and  defend  it. 

Hold!  my  soldierly  ardor  hath  made  me  forget  for 
a  moment! 

Lying  in  death  at  the  ships  is  one  unwept  and  un¬ 
buried, 

Even  Patroklos,  and  him  I  shall  never  forget  while 
I  linger 

Here  with  the  living,  and  knees  can  stir;  and  even  in 
Hades 


424 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


E’en  though  the  dead  are  forgot  of  the  dead,  I  shall 
think  of  my  comrade. 

So,  while  the  youth  of  the  army  are  singing  a  psean 
of  triumph, 

Back  let  us  march  to  our  barracks,  the  ships,  and 
carry  the  body. 

Glory  enough  for  one  day  that  mighty  Hector  is 
fallen, 

Almost  a  god  to  the  Trojans,  so  great  their  observ¬ 
ance  and  worship.” 


Thus  he  said,  and  for  Hector  unseemly  abasement 
was  planning: 

Both  of  the  feet  of  the  dead  man  he  bored  from  the 
heel  to  the  ankle,  1 

Then  through  both  thrust  ox-hide  thongs,  and  tied 
them  securely 

Back  of  the  car  so  the  head  would  trail  with  the 
chariot  going. 

Then  he  loaded  the  armor  thereon  and,  the  chariot 
mounting, 

Lashed  the  steeds  to  a  run;  and  not  unwilling  the 
coursers 

Flew,  and  as  Hector  was  dragged  a  dust-cloud  rose, 
and  about  him 

Fluttered  his  sable  locks,  and  his  head,  aforetime 
so  comely, 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


425 


Helpless  lay  in  the  dust;  for  Zeus  to  his  enemies  left 
him 

There  in  the  land  of  his  birth  that  day  to  be  foully 
dishonored. 

Thus  was  his  whole  head  buried  in  dust;  and  his 
agonized  mother 

Tore  her  hair,  and  the  glittering  veil  cast  wildly 
from  off  her, 

Ah,  and  exceeding  bitter  her  cry,  her  son  thus  be¬ 
holding. 

Piteous,  too,  were  the  groans  of  his  father  fond,  and 
the  people 

Joined  in  the  wail  up  and  down  in  the  city  with 
moans  universal. 

Greater  distress  had  not  been,  nor  dismay,  had 
towering  Ilios 

Sunk  from  her  high  estate  consumed  by  fell  confla¬ 
gration. 

Such  was  the  frenzy  of  Priam  the  people  barely 
withheld  him 

Seeking  to  leave  the  gates,  and  he  begged  every  man 
of  them,  saying :  — 

“Hold,  friends!  Unhand  me,  I  pray,  tho’  kindly 
your  purpose,  and  let  me 

Go  from  the  city  alone,  and  seek  the  camp  of  the 
Argives. 


426 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


I  would  beseech  this  man,  this  accursed  worker  of 
horrors, 

Haply  to  bring  him  to  shame  in  sight  of  his  fellows, 
and  pity 

Unto  my  years;  he,  too,  hath  a  father,  aged  as  I 
am, 

Peleus,  by  whom  he  was  bred  to  become  a  bane  to 
the  Trojans, 

Chiefly  to  me,  for  full  many  a  son  he  hath  slain  in 
his  flower. 

Yet  is  my  grief  for  one  more  than  all  the  rest,  tho’  I 
mourn  them, 

This  one,  whose  loss  bringeth  pangs  that  will  drive 
me  in  sorrow  to  Hades, 

Hector!  Would  he  had  died  in  mine  arms,  for  then 
his  unhappy 

Mother  and  I  would  have  mourned,  but  with  funeral 
rites  as  is  fitting.” 


Thus  he  spake  in  his  grief,  and  the  men  all  joined  in 
his  groanings. 

'  Hekabe,  then,  mid  the  women,  led  off  in  wild  lamen¬ 
tation  :  — 


“Son,  ah,  woe  is  me!  why  longer  live  in  my  sorrow, 
Thou  being  dead,  by  night-time  and  daytime  my 
boast  in  the  city, 


J 


Book  XXII  HOMER’S  ILIAD  427 

Aye,  and  a  blessing  to  Troy,  to  all  both  its  men  and 
<  its  women! 

Like  to  a  god  they  hailed  thee;  exceeding  great  was 
the  glory 

Thou  wert  to  them  when  alive,  yet  death’s  dread 
doom  is  upon  thee!” 


Thus  spake  the  mother  in  tears;  but  the  wife  of 
Hector  to  this  time 

Knew  not  the  truth,  for  messenger  came  not  to  tell 
that  her  husband 

Waited  without  the  gates;  but  she,  in  a  nook  of  the 
palace, 

Wrought  at  a  web  that  was  purple  and  bright,  and  in 
it  was  weaving 

Flowers  of  many  a  hue;  and  she  called  to  her  fair- 
tressed  attendants 

Bidding  them  place  on  the  fire  a  tripod  mighty, 
providing 

Water  warmed  for  a  bath  for  Hector  returning  from 
battle  — 

Little  dreaming  that,  far  from  baths,  by  the  wiles  of 
Athena 

Hector  already  was  fallen,  struck  down  by  the  hand 
of  Achilles. 

When,  now,  wailing  she  heard,  and  groanings  that 
came  from  the  tower, 


428 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Tottered  beneath  her  her  limbs,  and  down  to  earth 
fell  the  shuttle. 

Then,  and  far  other  her  cry,  she  called  to  her  hand¬ 
maidens,  saying :  — 

“ Hither!  two  follow  me!  I  go  to  see  what  be- 
tideth ! 

Moanings  I  hear,  ’tis  my  queen-mother’s  voice,  and 
the  heart  in  my  bosom 

Beats  as  ’twould  leap  to  my  mouth,  and  the  knees 
are  stiffened  beneath  me. 

Nigh  to  the  children  of  Priam  is  death —  may  ear 
never  hear  it, 

Yet  am  I  sorely  afraid  my  Hector,  cut  off  from  the 
city, 

Fleeth  alone  with  Achilles  behind,  and  the  pride 
that  possessed  him 

Now  hath  been  his  undoing;  for  back  with  his  men 
he  remained  not, 

No,  he  was  far  in  the  front,  and  his  spirit  yielded  to 
no  man.” 


Thus  having  said,  from  the  hall  she  sped  and,  heart 
beating  wildly, 

Frantic  she  flew  down  the  street  with  her  hand¬ 
maidens  running  beside  her. 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


429 


Soon  she  was  top  of  the  tower  where  the  men  were 
thronging,  and  stood  there 

Peering  down  from  the  wall,  and  lo  before  her  was 
Hector 

Dragged  in  the  dust,  remorselessly  dragged,  and 
swift  were  the  horses 

Bearing  the  body  away  to  the  hostile  camp  of  the 
Argives. 

Darkness  like  unto  death  shut  the  sight  from  her 
eyes,  and  she  tottered 

Backward  and  fell,  and  her  breath  grew  faint  till 
seemingly  lifeless. 

Far  from  her  head  flew  the  glittering  bands  confining 

her  tresses  — 

Fillet  and  netting  and  coronal  fair,  and  the  veil 
Aphrodite 

Gave  on  the  day  of  her  wedding,  the  day  when  crest- 
waving  Hector 

Led  her  a  bride  from  Eetion’s  home,  giving  gifts 
without  number. 

Round  about  her  came  flocking  her  sisters-in-law, 
and  among  them 

Lifted  her  up  in  her  death-like  swoon,  and  warded  the 
death-stroke. 

So,  when  she  breathed  once  more,  and  feeling  re¬ 
turned,  and  her  reason, 

Moaning,  and  choking  with  sobs,  she  said  mid  the 
sorrowing  women:  — - 


430 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


“ Hector,  ah  woe  is  me!  Alike  were  we  born  to 
misfortune, 

Both  of  us,  thou  in  Troy,  in  the  haughty  palace  of 
Priam, 

I  in  Thebes,  where  the  woods  slope  down  from  the 
summits  of  Plakos, 

There  where  Eetion  reigned,  the  father  who  nurtured 
my  childhood, 

Ill-starred  sire  of  a  child  ill-born  —  and  would  I  had 
not  been! 

Under  the  bowels  of  earth,  down,  down,  to  the  man¬ 
sions  of  Hades 

Thou  art  departing,  and  me,  in  my  bitter  affliction, 
thou  leavest 

Widowed  and  lone  in  the  halls;  thy  child,  too,  merely 
an  infant,  ^ 

Joy  to  thee  nevermore,  nor  thou  his  needed  defender. 

Even  if  he  should  escape  this  dreadful  war  with  the 
Argives 

Yet  in  the  after  time  will  his  days  be  labor  and  sorrow. 

Men  will  encroach  on  his  lands;  for  the  day  that  a 
boy  is  an  orphan 

Maketh  him  friendless;  with  eyes  cast  down,  de¬ 
jected  and  needy, 

Goeth,  his  face  all  tears,  such  child  to  friends  of  his 
father, 

Timidly  plucking  the  cloak  of  one  and  the  coat  of 
another: 


Book  XXII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


431 


One  of  these  in  compassion  just  giveth  a  sip  at  the 
wine-cup, 

Barely  enough  to  moisten  the  lips,  not  moisten  the 
palate.1 

Boys  unorphaned  as  yet  will  drive  him  away  from 
the  table 

Dealing  him  blows  with  the  fist,  and  saying  with 
insolent  bluster, 

‘  Here,  take  this,  and  begone!  no  father  of  thine 
feasteth  with  us.’ 

Then,  in  tears,  will  our  boy  come  back  to  his  mother, 
a  widow, 

Even  our  little  prince,  who  once  on  the  knees  of  his 
father 

Fed  upon  marrow  alone  and  cuts  of  fatlings  the 
choicest; 

Aye,  and  when  sleep  overtook  him,  and  childish  play 
was  forgotten, 

1  This  line  was  evidently  a  proverb. 

This  portion  of  the  lament  has  been  pronounced  an  inter¬ 
polation,  on  the  ground  that  the  child’s  grandfather  was  a 
King,  and  his  uncles  still  living;  but  the  mother  is  looking 
forward  several  years  to  a  time  when  the  baby  would  have 
become  a  youth,  and  might  well  have  no  near  male  relatives. 
Moreover,  this  lament  is  by  the  author  of  Book  XXIV  where 
Priam’s  surviving  sons  are  given  a  bad  name.  Apart  from 
these  considerations  Andromache  was  in  a  state  of  mind 
at  the  time  to  take  an  exaggerated  view  of  the  evil  conditions 
surrounding  the  child.  To  the  translator  this  lament  seems 
exceptionally  fine,  even  for  Homer,  and  he  believes  that 
interpolation  is  suspected  on  insufficient  grounds. 


432 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXII 


Slept  in  a  stately  bed  in  the  tender  care  of  a  nurse¬ 
maid  — 

Couch  of  the  softest  down,  and  heart  filled  full  of 
contentment  — 

Many  a  sorrow  awaiteth  him  now,  bereft  of  his 
father, 

Even  our  ‘  little  prince',  as  the  Trojans  fondly  have 
called  him, 

Seeing  that  thou  alone  wast  ward  of  their  gates  and 
their  ramparts. 

Lying  uncared  for,  by  ships  of  thy  foes,  afar  from 
thy  parents, 

Coiling  worms  will  devour  thee  when  dogs  are  sated 
with  gnawing  — 

Naked,  yet  raiment  of  thine  is  stored  in  thy  halls  in 
abundance,  "I 

Fine  and  beautiful  vesture  as  hand  of  woman  could 
make  it. 

All  I  devote  to  ravening  flames,  as  it  were  on  a  pyre, 

Nowise  a  service  to  thee  since  thou  amid  them  wilt 
burn  not, 

Rut,  in  thy  countrymen's  eyes,  some  show  of  funereal 
honors." 

Thus  she  spake  in  her  woe  mid  the  answering  sobs  of 
the  women. 


BOOK  xxm 


Homer  nowhere  shows  himself  more  of  a  necromancer  than 
by  the  skill  with  which  the  sympathies  of  the  reader  are 
shifted  in  this  book  from  father,  mother,  and  wife  of 
Hector  to  Achilles,  the  immediate  cause  of  their  sorrows. 
Fate  does  not  play  so  obvious  a  part  as  in  the  Greek 
tragedies;  but  the  reader  cannot  help  seeing  that  Patrok- 
los,  Hector,  and  Achilles  were  involved  in  a  network  of 
circumstances  such  that  each  must  play  the  part  he  did, 
and  the  catastrophe  was  in  each  case  inevitable;  and 
all  justly  command  sympathy.  The  book  begins  as 
follows:  — 

Thus  all  over  the  city  was  wailing;  without,  the 
Achaians 

When  they  had  ended  their  march  at  the  fleet  and 
the  Hellespont,  mostly 

Scattered  each  to  his  ship;  but  the  Myrmidons  still 
were  together 

Kept  by  Achilles,  who  spake  to  his  war-loving 
followers,  saying :  — 


“Myrmidons,  men  of  swift  coursers,  my  trusty  and 
chosen  companions, 

No  time  is  this  to  unloose  from  the  car  our  strong¬ 
footed  horses, 
vol.  ii  —  28 


434 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIII 


But,  with  our  horses  and  chariots  both  let  us,  draw¬ 
ing  anigh  him, 

Make  our  moan  for  Patroklos.  a  tribute  due  the 
departed. 

When  of  our  bitter  grief  we  are  sated,  then  and  not 
till  then 

Let  us  unharness  the  horses,  and  funeral  supper  make 
ready.” 


Thus  he  spake,  and  they  groaned  all  together,  led 
by  Achilles. 

Thrice  then  around  the  corse  they  drave  their  heavy¬ 
maned  horses, 

Moaning;  and  Thetis  within  them  inspired  a  passion 
of  sorrow. 

Wet  were  the  sands  with  the  tears  of  men  and  wet 
was  their  armor  — 

Tears  of  the  great,  so  great  was  the  fallen,  so  mighty 
in  battle. 


After  the  ceremonies  were  over  Achilles  gives  a  funeral 
feast,  but  refuses  all  solicitations  to  take  food  himself 
until  the  funeral  rites  for  Patroklos  are  completed.  The 
following  extracts,  giving  an  account  of  the  ghost  of 
Patroklos,  the  procuring  of  wood  for  his  pyre,  and  other 
matters  incident  to  his  funeral,  are  the  gems  of  the 
book: — 


Book  XXIII  HOMER’S  ILIAD 


435 


The  Ghost  of  Patroklos 
and 

Getting  Wood  for  the  Funeral  Pyre 

All,  now,  ready  for  sleep,  went  every  man  to  his 
camp-fire, 

All  but  Achilles,  who  lay  by  the  shore  of  the  bois¬ 
terous  ocean, 

Heavily  groaning,  and  lying  about  him  the  Myrmi¬ 
dons  many 

Slept  in  an  open  space  where  the  waves  rolled  in  on 
the  sea-beach. 

When,  now,  slumber  had  seized  him,  unloosing  his 
heart  from  its  sorrows,  v 

Slumber  sweet  and  profound  —  for  his  stalwart 
limbs  were  aweary 

After  his  furious  chase  of  Hector  by  Ilios  wind¬ 
swept  — 

Sudden  before  him  a  spectre  appeared,  ’twas  the 
ghost  of  Patroklos, 

All  like  the  man  himself,  in  size  and  eyes  and  in 
features, 

Even  in  voice  the  same,  and  like  was  the  raiment 
that  clad  him. 

Over  the  head  of  the  sleeper  it  bent,  and  spake  to 
him,  saying:  — 


436 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIII 


“Thou,  Achilles,  asleep,  and  I  from  thy  memory 
faded! 

Never  forgattest  thou  me  when  alive,  but  dead  thou 
forgettest. 

Haste  thee  the  funeral  rites  that  admit  to  the  portals 
of  Hades. 

Far,  far  away  am  I  kept  by  the  shades,  the  spirits 
departed, 

Nor  am  I  suffered  at  all  to  consort  with  them  over 
the  river: 

So  all  homeless  I  wander  by  Hades’  wide-gated 
dwelling. 

Give  thy  hand  to  my  tears  I  beseech  thee,  seeing 
hereafter 

I  shall  return  no  more  from  Hades  after  my 
burning. 

Never,  as  living  men,  shall  we  sit  apart  from  our 
comrades 

Taking  sweet  counsel  together ;  for  me  hath  destiny 
woful 

Swallowed  up  in  the  doom  to  man  at  his  birth-hour 
appointed. 

Thou,  even  thou,  art  doomed  in  all  thy  glorious 
beauty 

Under  the  Trojan  walls  to  die,  —  the  foeman  ex¬ 
ulting. 

So  this  thing  I  entreat  and  implore,  and  hope  thy 
compliance: 


Book  XXIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


437 


Let  not  thy  bones  be  laid  apart  from  mine,  but  to¬ 
gether, 

Even  as  in  thy  home  we  were  reared  together  in 
childhood. 

I  was  a  little  boy  when  Menoitios  brought  me  from  Opus 

Unto  thy  father’s  house,  for  unhappily  killing  a 
playmate, 

Even  Amphidimas’  son,  on  the  selfsame  day  that  I 
slew  him,  — 

Child,  and  meaning  it  not,  in  a  pet  while  playing  at 
jackstones. 

Straightway  chivalrous  Peleus  received  me  into  his 
household, 

Trained  me  nobly  with  thee,  and  ‘  squire  of  Achilles  ’ 
he  named  me; 

So,  when  united  in  death,  let  a  common  urn  hold 
our  ashes.” 

Then,  in  response  to  the  phantom  outspake  swift¬ 
footed  Achilles :  — 

“Wherefore,  dearly  beloved,  hast  thou  come  hither, 
and  wherefore 

Bidden  me  things  I  should  do  of  myself  ?  Yea,  yea! 
I  will  do  them. 

Draw  thou  anigh  me,  I  pray,  and  embracing,  though 
but  a  moment, 

So  shall  we  comfort  each  other,  our  woes  for  that 
moment  forgotten.” 


438 


HOMER’S  ILIAD  Book  XXIII 


Suiting  action  to  word  he  stretched  forth  his  arms  to 
the  phantom, 

Yet  he  encountered  it  not;  for  the  shade  under  earth 
like  a  vapor 

Vanished  with  gibbering  cry;  and  astounded  up  rose 
Achilles, 

Wringing  his  hands,  and  amazed,  exclaimed  in  an 
outburst  of  sorrow:  — 

“Gods!  this  is  wondrous  strange!  There  remaineth 
even  in  Hades 

Something,  a  shadow,  a  semblance,  though  living 
substance  it  hath  not! 

Lo,  now,  the  whole  night  long  hath  the  ghost  of  hap¬ 
less  Patroklos 

Stood  right  here  by  my  side,  and  with  piteous  moan¬ 
ing  and  wailing, 

Told  me  his  wants,  each  one,  and  it  looked  like 
Patroklos  exactly.” 

Thus  he  said;  and  a  passion  of  tears  he  stirred  in  his 
hearers 

So  they  were  wailing  still  when  the  rosy  touch  of  the 
morning 

Fell  on  the  pallid  dead;  and,  with  morning,  King 
Agamemnon 

Sent  a  detachment  of  mules  and  of  men  for  the  getting 
of  firewood, 


Book  XXIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


439 


Setting  Meriones  over  the  band,  the  strenuous 
Cretan. 

Forth  from  the  camp  they  fared,  equipped  with 
wood-choppers’  axes, 

Also  with  ropes  well  made;  and  the  mules  tramped 
on  just  before  them, 

Oft  breaking  into  a  canter,  and  rearing,  plunging, 
and  shying,1 

Till,  in  the  end,  they  came  to  the  well-watered 
gorges  of  Ida. 

There  they  lustily  chopped,  and  the  high-plumed 
chiefs  of  the  forest 

Fell  with  a  crash;  and,  cutting  and  splitting  the 
trunks,  the  Achaians 

1  This  line  in  the  original  is  manifestly  designed  to  give  the 
clattering  sound  of  the  mules  in  rapid  motion.  It  contains 
three  adverbs  found  nowhere  else  and  probably  coined  for  the 
purpose  of  sound,  indicating  motion  up,  down,  and  sidewise, 
and  commonly  translated  “up  hill,  down  dale,  and  zig-zag,” 
but  this  rendering  gives  no  significance  to  the  sound  of  the 
line,  particularly  as  the  men  were  on  foot  and  expected  to 
keep  up.  In  the  opinion  of  the  translator  Homer  means  to 
indicate  that  the  mules  had  many  a  frolic,  and  that  the  ad¬ 
verbs  refer  to  the  accompanying  body  motions  as  above 
rendered.  The  sound  of  the  original,  and  perhaps  the  spirit, 
would  be  better  given  if  rendered: 

Oft  breaking  into  a  canter  with  frantic  fantastical  antic. 

If  the  usual  interpretation  of  the  line  be  correct  it  might  be 
rendered : 

Up-hill  often  and  down,  and  by  many  a  tortuous  winding. 


440 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIII 


Bound  them  behind  the  mules;  and  they,  through 
the  undergrowth  tearing, 

Cut  the  ground  with  their  hooves;  and  logs  the  wood¬ 
cutters  carried, 

All  as  Meriones  told  them  to  do,  their  strenuous 
captain. 

So,  on  the  shore,  and  in  orderly  pile,  rose  the  wood 
where  Achilles 

Purposed  a  mighty  tomb  for  himself  as  well  as 
Patroklos. 


Achilles  Shears  the  Hair  Vowed  to  the 
River  Spercheios 

Sudden  a  new-born  thought  came  into  the  heart  of 
Achilles : 

Standing  apart  from  the  pyre,  he  sheared  off  a  fore¬ 
lock  golden,  — 

Lock  he  had  suffered  to  grow  untrimmed  for  the 
river  Spercheios,  — 

Saying,  as  sadly  he  gazed  o’er  the  dark  sea’s  billowy 
pathway:  — 


“Vain  was  the  vow,  Spercheios,  once  vowed  by 
Peleus  my  father, 

That,  on  my  happy  return  to  the  land  of  my  birth, 
I  would  straitly 


Book  XXIII 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


441 


Shear  mine  hair  in  thine  honor,  and  offer  a  hecatomb 
sacred 

Over  thy  fountains,  where  standeth  thy  temple  and 
altar  of  incense. 

Thus  did  the  old  man  vow,  but  his  hopes  thou  hast 
still  disappointed: 

So,  as  I  never  go  back  to  my  own  dear  land,  I  would 
offer 

Unto  the  hero  Patroklos  this  lock  to  bear  on  his 
journey.” 

Ceasing,  the  lock  he  placed  in  the  clay-cold  hand  of 
his  comrade. 


Winds  Fan  the  Flame  of  the  Pyre 

Lo,  now,  the  funeral  pile  of  the  hapless  dead  would 
not  kindle. 

Then,  once  more,  came  a  new-born  thought  to  the 
heart  of  Achilles: 

Standing  apart  from  the  pyre,  he  prayed  two  blus¬ 
tering  storm-winds, 

Boreas  mighty,  and  Zephyr,  and  promised  them 
offerings  gracious, 

Also  the  while  from  a  goblet  of  gold  poured  many 
libations, 

Begging  them  come  to  the  pyre  that  the  wood  might 
hasten  to  kindle, 


442 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIII 


So  that  the  body  might  burn,  and  at  once;  and  light- 
footed  Iris, 

Hearing  his  prayers,  departed  to  carry  the  storm- 
winds  his  message. 

They  at  the  moment  were  met  in  the  house  of  tem¬ 
pestuous  Zephyr, 

All  at  a  joyous  banquet;  and  Iris,  hurrying  thither, 

Stopped  on  the  threshold  of  stone;  and  they,  as  soon 
as  they  saw  her, 

Rose,  and  each  of  them  asked  her  to  sit  at  the  table 
beside  him. 

She,  however,  refused  to  be  seated,  and  told  them 
her  message :  — 

“No  seat  for  me!  I  am  going  straight  back  to  the 
streams  of  the  ocean, 

Unto  the  Aithiops’  land,  for  there  they  are  heca¬ 
tombs  burning 

Unto  us  gods,  and  my  portion  I  want  of  the  sacrifice 
offered. 

Up,  now,  Achilles  is  praying  to  Boreas  shrill  and  to 
Zephyr, 

Begging  them  come  in  their  might,  and  promiseth 
offerings  seemly, 

Wishing  their  aid  to  enkindle  the  pyre  whereon  for 
his  burning 

Fallen  Patroklos  lies,  whom  all  the  Achaians  are 
mourning.” 


Book  XXIII 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


443 


Thus  she  spake  and  departed :  and  they,  in  response 
to  her  bidding, 

Rose  with  a  mighty  sound,  and  the  clouds  drave 
wildly  before  them. 

Swiftly  over  the  sea  they  swept  with  their  gusts,  and 
the  billows 

Waked  'neath  their  shrilly  blasts:  and  coming  to 
deep-soiled  Troy-land 

Down  they  swooped  on  the  pyre,  and  a  wondrous 
fire  set  a-roaring. 

Thus  they  the  whole  night  long  cast  the  burning 
embers  together, 

Blowing  with  whistling  blasts;  and  all  night  long 
great  Achilles, 

Forth  from  a  golden  bowl  in  a  two-handled  cup  he 
was  holding, 

Drew  off  wine,  and  the  earth  he  drenched  with  con¬ 
tinuous  pouring, 

Calling  time  after  time  on  the  shade  of  hapless 
Patroklos. 

Like  as  a  father  bewaileth  a  son  while  burning  his 
ashes  — 

Son  that  is  newly  wed  who  leaVeth  his  parents  sore 
stricken  — 

So  Achilles  lamented  his  friend  as  the  ashes  were 
burning, 

Dragging  his  worn-out  frame  by  the  pyre,  and  loud 
were  his  groanings. 


444 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIII 


Just  as  the  dawn-star  came  to  tell  the  earth  of  the 
day-break, 

After  which  over  the  sea  sweepeth  Morn  in  her 
mantle  of  saffron, 

Right  then  the  funeral  pile  burned  out,  and  the  fire 
ceased  blazing. 

Then,  too,  the  winds  went  back,  retracing  the  path 
to  their  homesteads 

Over  the  Thracian  main;  and  wild  were  its  surgings 
and  sobbings. 

Nigh  to  the  pyre,  and  in  slumber  sweet,  Achilles  was 

lying, 

Where  he  in  weariness  fell,  and  on  rushed  sleep  in  a 
moment. 

The  description  of  the  way  the  bones  of  Patroklos  were 
collected  and  buried  is  repeated  almost  verbatim  later 
in  regard  to  Hector,  and  therefore  is  omitted  here.  The 
remainder  of  the  book  —  more  than  six  hundred  lines  — 
gives  an  account  of  the  funeral  games  in  honor  of  the 
dead.  Those  who  disbelieve  in  the  unity  of  authorship 
of  the  Iliad  regard  this  account  as  by  a  later  hand;  and 
it  obviously  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  story,  and  is  too 
long  to  be  included  in  an  abridged  translation  like  this. 


BOOK  XXIV 


Ended,  now,  were  the  games;  and  the  people  re¬ 
paired  to  the  galleys, 

Scattering  each  to  his  own,  and  when  they  had  taken 
their  supper 

Turned  to  the  comfort  of  slumber;  but,  all  unlike 
them,  Achilles 

Yearned  for  Patroklos,  the  friend  who  was  gone,  and 
sleep  that  subdueth 

All  men  came  not,  and  this  way  and  that  he  turned 
on  his  pillow, 

Thinking  of  all  they  had  done  and  hardships  en¬ 
countered  together 

Cleaving  the  battles  of  men  and  the  sea’s  tempes¬ 
tuous  billows. 

Many  a  bitter  tear  poured  forth  at  such  fond  recol¬ 
lections, 

Much  he  in  restlessness  tumbled  and  tossed,  then 
suddenly  starting 

Up  from  his  couch  he  would  stalk  from  his  camp,  and 
along  by  the  sea-shore  1 

1  Here,  as  in  other  passages,  Achilles  when  in  trouble  re¬ 
sorted  to  the  sea  for  consolation  —  perhaps  being  so  repre¬ 
sented  because  son  of  a  sea-nymph. 


446 


HOMER'S  ILIAD  Book  XXIV 


Aimlessly  wander;  and  never,  when  night  was  spent, 
did  the  morning 

Find  him  asleep  when  the  sea  and  the  shores  grew 
bright  at  her  dawning; 

Nay,  it  was  then  he  would  yoke  to  his  car  his  swift¬ 
flying  horses, 

Tying  Hector  behind  to  be  trailed  in  the  dust  and 
dishonored. 

Thrice  would  he  drag  the  corse  round  the  grave  of 
fallen  Patroklos, 

Then  turn  in  at  the  camp ;  but  Hector  always  he  left 
there 

Stretched  in  the  dust  face  down;  but  Apollo  every 
defacement 

Kept  from  the  body  for  all  that,  for  he  for  the  man 
felt  compassion 

Even  when  dead,  and  the  sogis  of  gold  spread  over 
him  wholly 

So  that  the  body  was  torn  not,  tho'  dragged  with 
fury  exceeding. 

vp.. 

Glorious  Hector,  thus,  did  he  foully  entreat  in  his 
madness, 

But,  from  Olympos,  the  gods  looked  on  with  dis¬ 
pleasure,  and  counselled 

Stealing  the  body  by  Hermes,  the  far-sighted  Slayer- 
of-Argus. 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


447 


This  scheme  pleased  all  the  rest,  but  never  was  pleas¬ 
ing  to  Hera, 

No,  nor  Poseidon,  nor  yet  to  the  bright-eyed  virgin, 
Athena. 

They  held  out  as  at  first  in  hatred  of  Ilios  sacred, 

Yea,  and  the  Trojans  and  Priam,  because  of  the 
folly  of  Paris 

Who,  when  the  goddesses  brought  for  his  judgment 
the  apple  of  Discord, 

Gave  Aphrodite  the  prize  who  promised  him  Helen, 
his  ruin. 

But,  when  the  twelfth  day  dawned,  Apollo  bespake 
the  immortals :  — 

“Brutal  are  ye,  ye  gods,  ye  ingrates!  Tell  me,  hath 
Hector 

Burned  in  your  honor  no  haunches  of  oxen,  and  kids 
that  were  choicest? 

Grace  ye  have  not,  for  all  that,  his  lifeless  body  to 
rescue 

So  that  his  wife  and  his  mother  and  only  child  may 
behold  it, 

Also  Priam,  his  sire,  and  the  Trojan  folk,  who  would 
quickly 

Burn  it  with  fire  and  with  funeral  rites  that  are  fitting 
observance. 

Yet  are  ye  pleased,  ye  gods,  to  abet  accursed  Achilles, 

Man  of  reprobate  heart,  relentless,  who  civilization 


448 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Knoweth  no  more  than  a  lion  whose  strength  and 
ill-governed  spirit 

Keepeth  him  raiding  the  sheepfolds  of  men  in  quest 
of  his  supper. 

So,  now,  Achilles  all  pity  hath  lost,  nor  shame  hath 
he  either. 

Many  a  man  must  part  with  a  dearer  friend  than 
Patroklos, 

Even  a  brother  or  son;  but,  when  from  his  heart  he 
hath  wept  him, 

Quelleth  his  pain,  for  to  man  have  the  Fates  given 
souls  of  endurance. 

Yet  this  fellow  brave  Hector,  albeit  of  life  he  hath 
reft  him, 

Bindeth  his  horses  behind,  and  about  the  tomb  of  his 
comrade 

<r 

Draggeth  him,  —  nowise  more  glorious  this,  nor 
showeth  more  feeling. 

Let  him  take  heed  lest,  great  as  he  is,  he  feeleth  our 
vengeance. 

Lo,  'tis  the  silent  dust  this  madman  treateth  so 
vilely." 


Then,  with  indignant  disdain,  proud  Hera  answered 
him,  saying:  — 

“Lord  of  the  silver  bow,  thy  word  would  have  sem¬ 
blance  of  reason 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


449 


Granting  that  Hector  and  matchless  Achilles  were 
equal  in  honor. 

Hector  was  mortal,  remember,  and  suckled  the  breast 
of  a  woman ; 

But,  of  a  goddess  Achilles  was  born,  and  I  myself 
bred  her 

During  her  childhood  and  youth,  and  grown  up  gave 
her  in  marriage 

Unto  a  hero,  to  Peleus,  the  dearest  of  men  to  im¬ 
mortals. 

All  ye  were  there  at  the  bridal,  ye  gods,  and  thou 
wert  among  us 

Playing  thy  harp  at  the  banquet,  yet  side  with  the 
lowly,  thou  traitor.” 


Then  for  rejoinder  responded  great  Zeus  who  darken- 
eth  heaven:  — 

“Hera,  be  ye  not  wroth  at  the  gods  with  wrath  of 
unreason! 

Nowise  equal  their  honor  shall  be,  but  Hector  for 
all  that 

Used  to  be  dearest  to  us  of  the  men  inhabiting  Troy- 
land  — 

Certainly  so  to  me,  for  in  due  oblations  he  failed 
not. 

Never  was  wanting  at  altar  of  mine  a  feast  that  was 
fitting, 
vol.  ii  —  29 


450 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Even  libations  and  incense,  observances  due  the 
immortals. 

No  more  talk  of  the  stealing  of  Hector,  —  do  it  ye 
cannot,  — 

Seeing  Achilles  would  know,  for  his  mother  attendeth 
him  always. 

Nay,  let  one  of  the  gods  call  Thetis  hither  to  meet  me 

Giving  me  chance  for  a  politic  word,  in  hope  that 
Achilles 

Take  due  gifts  from  Priam,  admitting  Hector  to 
ransom.” 

Thus  spake  Zeus,  and  storm-footed  Iris  to  carry  the 

message 

Rose  and  departed  and,  reaching  a  spot  ’twixt  Samos 
and  Imbros, 

Plunged  in  the  wine-dark  sea  with  a  plash,  and  the 
waves  roared  above  her. 

Down  to  the  depths  she  sped,  as  a  sinker  attached  to 
a  fish-hook 

Speedeth  apace,  a  bearer  of  fate  to  ravenous  fishes. 

Thetis  she  found  in  a  wide-arched  cave,  and  round 
her  the  other 

Nymphs  of  the  sea  sat  close;  and  she  in  the  midst 
of  the  cluster 

Wept  at  the  fate  of  her  matchless  son,  foredoomed 
of  a  surety 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


451 


There  to  perish  at  Troy,  afar  from  the  land  of  his 
fathers. 

Swift-footed  Iris  drew  nigh  and,  halting,  spake  to 
her,  saying :  — 

“Thetis,  arise;  Zeus  calleth,  whose  wisdom  perisheth 
never.” 

Then  for  answer  responded  fair  Thetis  the  silvery- 
footed:  — 

“Wherefore  am  I  thus  called  by  that  mighty  god? 
for  I  shrink  from 

Mingling  amid  the  immortals  with  heart  so  aching 
and  woful. 

Yea,  I  am  going,  nor  vain  shall  his  word  be,  whatever 
he  sayeth.” 

Suiting  action  to  word,  her  robe  the  glorious  goddess 

Took,  —  ’twas  a  blue-black  robe  than  which  no  ves¬ 
ture  is  blacker  — 

Then  she  started,  and  walking  in  front  went  wind¬ 
footed  Iris 

Over  the  sea,  which  divided  its  waves  and  made  them 
a  pathway. 

Up  on  the  shore  they  stepped  and,  together  mounting 
to  heaven, 

Wide-eyed  Zeus,  son  of  Kronos,  they  found  with  the 
ever-existing 


452 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Gods  all  sitting  about  him;  and  Thetis  beside  the 
All-father 

Seated  herself,  for  aside  stepped  Athena;  and  gra¬ 
ciously  Hera 

Placed  a  goblet  of  gold  in  her  hand,  and  welcomed 
her  warmly. 

Thetis  drank  and  returned  it,  and  thus  began  the 
All-father :  — 

“Thou  art  come,  Goddess  Thetis,  with  sorrowing 
heart  to  Olympos, 

Burdened  in  soul  with  grief  unforgot;  I  know  without 
telling. 

Yet,  in  the  midst  of  thy  woe,  I  will  say  for  what  I 
have  called  thee. 

Nine  days’  time  hath  dispute  been  rife  amid  the  im¬ 
mortals 

Over  the  body  of  Hector  and  city-destroying  Achilles, 

Such  that  many  have  urged  far-sighted  Hermes  to 
steal  it; 

I,  however,  accord  to  thy  son  the  following  honor, 

Hoping  in  times  to  come  to  keep  thy  respect  and  thy 
friendship :  — 

“Hie  thee  straight  to  the  Danaan  host,  and  admonish 
Achilles : 

Tell  him  the  gods  are  indignant,  and  I  most  of  all  the 
immortals, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


453 


Seeing  in  madness  of  heart  he  persists  in  his  hold¬ 
ing  of  Hector, 

Trusting  that,  awed  by  me,  he  himself  will  consent 
to  a  ransom. 

Then,  my  plan  is,  Iris  to  send  to  great-hearted  Priam, 

Bidding  him  to  go  to  the  Danaan  ships  to  recover 
the  body 

Laden  with  gifts  for  Achilles  sufficient  to  satisfy 
honor.” 

Thus  spake  Zeus;  and  Thetis,  the  goddess  silvery- 
footed, 

Went  in  compliance  and,  hurrying  down  from  the 
heights  of  Olympos, 

Came  to  the  camp  of  her  son,  and  found  him  loudly 
lamenting. 

Round  about  him  his  comrades  were  busy  preparing 
their  breakfast, 

Cooking  a  sheep  that  was  fleecy  and  huge  inside  the 
encampment. 

Close  by  the  side  of  her  son  sat  down  the  radiant 
goddess, 

Clasped  his  hand  in  her  own,  and  fondly  spake  to 
him,  saying :  — 

“Son,  how  long  wilt  thou  thus,  in  woe  and  bitterness 
pining, 

Keep  on  gnawing  thy  heart  out,  of  food  forgetful 
and  slumber? 


454 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Short  is  thy  life-span,  for  death  standeth  nigh,  and 
fate  is  resistless. 

Yet,  just  listen  a  moment,  for  Zeus's  messenger  am  I, 

E'en  that  the  gods  are  indignant  at  thee,  and  he  more 
than  others, 

Seeing  in  madness  of  heart  thou  wilt  not  that  Hector 
be  ransomed. 

Nay,  be  advised.  Let  him  go,  and  recompense  take 
for  the  body.” 


Then  with  reluctant  assent  Achilles  answered  her, 
saying :  ■ — 

“Be  it  so.  Whoso  a  ransom  shall  bring  shall  recover 
the  body, 

Granting  this  bidding  of  Zeus  be  in  downright 
earnestness  spoken.” 

Thus  in  the  camp,  in  the  circle  of  ships,  the  soji  and 
the  mother 

Many  a  winged  word  spake  lovingly  one  to  the  other. 

Zeus,  meanwhile,  sent  Iris  with  message  to  Ilios 
sacred:  — 


“Haste  thee  and  go,  swift  Iris,  and,  leaving  the  seat 
of  Olympos, 

Bear  my  word  to  the  city  of  Troy,  to  great-hearted 
Priam, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


455 


Even  to  ransom  his  son,  and  go  to  the  camp  of  the 
Argives 

Carrying  gifts  to  Achilles  to  give  him  entire  satis¬ 
faction, 

Yea,  and  alone  —  not  a  man  of  the  Trojans  in  any 
wise  with  him, 

Saving  an  elderly  herald  to  drive  the  mules  and  the 
wagon, 

And,  when  the  twain  shall  return,  bring  the  body 
back  to  the  city.” 


Thus  he  spake;  and  storm-footed  Iris  to  carry  her 
message 

Went  to  the  dwelling  of  Priam,  and  found  there 
sorrow  and  mourning. 

Sitting  about  their  sire,  his  sons  in  the  court  of  the 
palace 

Drenched  their  raiment  with  tears,  and  the  old  man 
sat  there  amid  them 

Closely  wrapped  in  a  mantle,  and  smeared  with  the 
filth  of  the  courtyard 

Clutched  and  poured  on  his  head  as  he  grovelled  in 
agonized  mourning. 

Daughters  and  daughters-in-law  throughout  the 
house  were  lamenting, 

Thinking  about  the  fallen,  —  their  lost  ones  many 
and  valiant 


456 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Lying  of  life  bereft,  cut  off  by  the  hand  of  the 
Argives. 

Zeus’s  messenger  came  to  the  side  of  Priam  and, 
halting, 

Spake  in  a  still  small  voice;  and  his  frame  was  all 
of  a  tremble :  — 

“Be  of  good  cheer  in  thy  soul,  Dardanian  Priam,  and 
fear  not; 

Know  that  I  am  not  come  here  in  anywise  boding 
thee  evil, 

Nay,  but  meaning  thee  well;  and  Zeus’s  messenger 
am  I, 

Zeus,  who  bideth  afar,  yet  careth  and  pitieth 
greatly. 

Go,  saith  he  of  Olympos,  and  ransom  glorious  Hector 

1 

Bearing  gifts  to  Achilles  to  melt  the  spirit  within 
him, 

Aye,  and  alone  —  no  man  of  the  Trojans  going  beside 
thee 

Saving  an  elderly  herald  to  drive  the  mules  and  the 
wagon, 

And,  when  again  ye  return,  to  bear  the  dead  to  the 
city.” 

After  her  message  was  told,  and  gone  was  swift¬ 
footed  Iris, 

Priam  called  to  his  sons  to  make  the  mule-wagon 
ready, 


Book  XXIV  HOMER’S  ILIAD 


457 


Binding  the  wagon-box  on  it;  and  down  he  went  to 
a  chamber, 

High-arched,  fragrant,  of  cedar,  which  treasures  held 
in  abundance; 

Then  he  to  Hekabe  called,  his  wife,  and  spake  to  her, 
saying:  — 

“  Darling,  from  Zeus  there  hath  come  an  Olympian 
messenger  to  me, 

Bidding  me  go  to  the  Danaan  camp  for  the  ransom 
of  Hector, 

Bearing  adequate  gifts  to  melt  the  heart  of  Achilles. 

Come,  now,  tell  me  thy  mind,  how  the  purpose  strik- 
eth  thy  judgment; 

As  for  myself,  I  admit,  my  soul  sore  yearneth  to  do  it, 

Even  to  go  to  the  Danaan  ships,  inside  their  en¬ 
campment.” 

Thus  he  spake,  and  his  wife  with  a  wail  replied  to 
him,  saying :  — 

“Ah  me!  where  hath  thy  good  sense  strayed,  thy 
sense  that  aforetime 

Made  thee  a  marvel,  not  only  at  Troy  but  even  to 
strangers  ? 

How  art  thou  fain  all  alone  to  go  to  the  camp  of  the 
Argives, 

E’en  to  the  man  who  hath  slain  thy  sons,  the  many, 
the  valiant! 


458 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Iron  thy  heart  is!  As  soon  as  he  seeth  thee  fast  in 
his  power, 

Savage  and  treacherous  he,  and  will  pity,  no,  nor 
revere  thee. 

Far  from  our  son  let  us  make  our  lament,  as  now  in 
our  dwelling; 

Even  for  this  did  resistless  Fate  spin  the  thread  at 
his  birth-hour, 

Yea,  when  I  bare  him  myself,  that  swift-footed  dogs 
should  devour  him 

Lying  afar  from  his  parents,  in  hands  of  a  monster, 
whose  liver, 

Would  I  could  eat  it  out!  for  that  would  be  fit 
retribution 

Due  for  my  son,  whom  he  slew,  in  no  wise  a  skulk 
or  wrong-doer! 

Nay!  he,  defending  his  country,  her  men  and  deep- 
bosomed  women, 

Stood  like  a  man,  not  dreaming  of  fear,  and  shunning 
no  danger.” 


Then,  and  he  looked  like  a  god,  the  old  man  Priam 
responded :  — 

“Hold  me  not  back  when  I  long  so  to  go;  nay,  nay! 
nor  thyself  be 

Bird  in  the  halls  boding  evil;  thou  wilt  not  persuade 
me.  If  any 


Book  XXIV  HOMER’S  ILIAD 


459 


Dweller  on  earth  had  advised,  be  he  priest,  diviner, 
or  prophet, 

We  would  have  dreamed  it  delusion  nor  acted 
thereon;  but  the  goddess 

Heard  I  my  very  self,  and  face  unto  face  I  beheld  her. 

Go  I  will,  nor  vain  shall  her  word  be;  and  if  ’tis  my 
portion 

Even  to  die  in  the  camp  of  the  Argives,  lo,  I  am 
willing. 

Yea,  on  the  spot  Achilles  may  slay  me  when  once  I 
have  fondly 

Clasped  my  son  in  mine  arms  and  disburdened 
my  heart  of  its  longing.” 

Thus  he  said,  and  threw  open  the  beautiful  lids  of 
his  coffers; 

Thence  he  took  twelve  robes  for  women,  of  excellent 
beauty, 

Twelve  cloaks  also  of  single  fold,  twelve  coverlets 
also, 

Twelve  white  mantles,  moreover,  and  tunics  twelve 
in  addition. 

Next  he  weighed  and  bore  from  the  chamber,  of  gold 
ten  talents, 

Tawny  tripods  twain  brought  forth,  four  glittering 
cauldrons, 

Forth  a  marvellous  cup  which  the  Thracians  formerly 
gave  him, 


460 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


When  on  an  embassy  there,  a  wondrous  possession; 
this  even 

Grudged  not  the  old  man  then,  for  his  heart  with 
frenzy  exceeding 

Yearned  to  ransom  his  son;  and  then  he  drave  out 
the  Trojans 

Hanging  around  in  the  court,  and  rebuked  them 
with  bitterness,  saying :  — 

“Off  and  begone,  ye  blackguards,  ye  loafers!  have 
ye  not  haply 

Sorrow  enough  at  your  homes  that  ye  needs  come 
here  to  distress  me? 

Think  ye  my  sorrows  from  Kronides  Zeus  a  wonder 
to  stare  at, 

Sending  the  death  of  my  worthiest  son?  To  your 
cost  will  ye  know  it! 

Easier  prey  will  ye  be  to  the  Danaan  sword!  ye  will 
learn  it, 

Now  that  Hector  is  fallen!  but  ere  mine  eyes  see 
the  city 

Wasted  and  razed,  may  I  die,  and  be  gone  to  my 
biding-place,  Hades.” 

Ceasing,  he  brandished  his  staff,  and  drave  out  the 
men;  and  the  rabble 

Left  at  the  old  man’s  insistence;  and  then  he  turned 
on  his  children, 


Book  XXIV  HOMER'S  ILIAD 


461 


Chiding  Helenos,  Paris  and  Agathon,  Antiphon, 
Pammon, 

Dion,  Hippothoos,  stout  Deiphobos,  loud-voiced 
Polites: 

These  nine  sons,  with  bitter  rebuke,  he  called  upon, 
saying:  — 


“Hurry,  ye  evil  children,  disgraces!  Would  ye  were 
lying 

Dead  at  the  ships  all  together  and  Hector  instead 
of  you  living! 

Woe  is  to  me,  all-hapless!  I  once  had  sons  of  the 
noblest 

Born  in  all  my  dominions,  and  none  of  the  good  ones 
are  left  me. 

Gone  is  Mestor  the  godlike,  and  Troilos,  chariot- 
fighter, 

Gone,  now,  Hector,  that  god  among  men,  nor  in  any¬ 
wise  seemed  he 

Son  of  a  mortal  man,  but  born  of  the  mighty  immor¬ 
tals! 

These  hath  Ares  destroyed  and  ye  things  of  shame 
are  the  remnant, 

Liars,  and  dancers,  yea,  leaders  of  dancers  —  the 
best  of  your  doings  — 

Plunderers  here  at  home  of  the  lambs  and  kids  of  my 
people ! 


462 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Why  not  be  doing,  and  quickly  as  may  be  make 
ready  a  wagon, 

Then  load  these  things  upon  it  that  we  may  be  gone 
on  our  journey?  ” 

While  they  were  yoking  the  teams,  in  the  palace  the 
herald  and  Priam 

Stood,  thought  crowding  on  thought,  and  toward 
them  came  Hekabe  running, 

Heavy  of  heart,  but  she  held  in  her  hand  a  magnifi¬ 
cent  goblet 

Filled  with  heart-quickening  wine  for  libation  ere 
they  departed. 

Front  of  the  horses  she  stood,  and  earnestly  said  to 
her  husband :  — 

“Here,  take  this  for  libation  to  Zeus  the  All-father, 
and  pray  him 

Thou  mayest  safely  return  to  thy  home,  since  rashly 
thy  spirit 

Driveth  thee  into  the  hands  of  thy  foes  in  spite  of  my 
wishes. 

Yield  to  me  this  much,  and  pray  to  Kronion  who 
darkeneth  heaven, 

Even  Kronion  of  Ida  who  seeth  all  Troy-land,  and 
beg  him 

Send  his  bird  with  its  message  of  hope,  the  bird  to 
Kronion 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


463 


Dearest  of  flying  things,  whose  strength  is  also  the 
greatest, 

Coming  to  us  on  the  right,  that  thou  thyself  on  be¬ 
holding 

Go  with  a  trustful  heart  to  the  ships  of  the  Danaan 
horsemen. 

If,  in  response  to  thy  prayer,  dread  Zeus  his  mes¬ 
senger  give  not, 

I,  for  one,  would  not  urge  thee  to  go,  in  spite  of  thy 
longing.” 


Then  said  Priam,  “My  wife,  this  hest  of  thine  I 
refuse  not; 

Uplift  of  hands  to  Zeus  is  well,  in  hope  of  his 

pity.,, 


Suiting  action  to  word,  he  bade  the  chief  of  the  hand¬ 
maids 

Pour  on  his  hands  pure  water,  and  she  came  forward 
and  poured  it, 

Ewer  in  hand;  and  when  he  was  washen  his  wife  gave 
the  goblet. 

Then,  in  the  midst  of  the  court  he  stood  and  prayed, 
and  libation 

Poured  of  the  wine,  and  he  gazed  into  heaven  rever¬ 
entially  saying:  — 


464 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


“Zeus,  All-father  who  rulest  from  Ida,  most  glorious, 
greatest, 

Grant  that  I  come  to  Achilles  as  worthy  of  pity  and 
kindness : 

Yea,  and  send  me  thy  bird,  swift  messenger,  bird 
that  thou  holdest 

Dearest  of  flying  things,  whose  might  is  also  the 
greatest, 

Showing  it  us  on  the  right,  that  I  myself  on 
beholding 

Go  with  confident  heart  to  the  ships  of  the  Danaan 
horsemen." 


Thus  he  entreated  in  prayer,  and  Zeus,  dread  Arbiter, 
heard  him :  1 

Straightway  an  eagle  he  sent,  the  surest  omen  that 
flyeth, 

Dusky  hunter  in  swamps,  “black  eagle"  called  by 
the  many. 

Even  as  wide  as  the  door  of  the  lofty  hall  of  a  rich 
man, 

Such  was  the  spread  of  its  wings;  on  the  right  of  them, 
too,  came  the  eagle 

Winging  its  way  through  the  city;  and  they,  who 
were  anxiously  gazing, 

All  were  cheered,  and  rejoiced,  and  their  hearts  grew 
light  at  the  omen. 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


465 


Blithe  was  the  old  man  then,  and  mounting  his 
chariot  briskly 

Drave  from  the  door  of  the  court  and  the  echoing 
porch,  and  before  him 

Mules  were  drawing  the  wagon,  and  wise  Idaios  was 
driving. 

Close  behind  and  astir  with  the  whip  came  the 
horses,  which  Priam 

Urged  full  speed  down  the  city;  his  friends  all  fol¬ 
lowed  beside  him, 

Bitterly  wailing,  and  gloomy  as  though  to  his  death 
he  were  going. 

When  both  teams  were  out  from  the  gateway  and 
came  to  the  moorlands, 

Back  to  the  city  his  kindred  returned.  But  Zeus, 
the  all-seeing, 

Failed  not  to  mark  the  defenceless  old  men  as  they 
came  to  the  open. 

Moved  at  the  sight  with  compassion  divine  he  called 
unto  Hermes :  — 

“  Hermes,  seeing  to  thee  the  guiding  of  men  is  diver¬ 
sion, 

Haste  thee  and  go,  and  Priam  conduct  to  the  camp 
of  the  Argives, 

Yet  so  do  it  that  no  man  shall  see  him  nor  anywise 
know  it, 

None  of  the  Danaans  all,  till  he  come  to  the  face  of 

Achilles.” 
vol.  n  —  30 


466 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Thus  he  spake,  and,  not  disobeying,  the  messenger 
Hermes 

Straightway  under  his  feet  tied  on  his  beautiful  san¬ 
dals, 

Golden,  that  wear  not  away,  which  wafted  him  over 
the  waters, 

Aye,  and  over  the  limitless  earth,  as  swift  as  the  wind- 
blast. 

Next  his  wand  he  grasped  wherewith  men’s  eyes  he 
entranceth, 

Whomsoever  he  will,  and  again  awaketh  from  slumber ; 

Then,  with  this  in  his  hands,  away  flew  stout  Argi- 
phontes. 

Quickly,  therefore,  at  Troy  and  the  Hellespont 
Hermes  alighted; 

Then  on  foot  he  proceeded  in  guise  of  a  prince  and 
a  young  man 

Wearing  his  earliest  beard  —  the  comely  spring-tide 
of  mortals. 

Right  then  the  wayfaring  twain,  having  passed  the 
barrow  of  Ilos, 

Came  to  a  halt  in  the  river  to  water  the  mules  and  the 
horses; 

Darkness  the  while  had  set  in  on  the  earth,  but  the 
vigilant  herald 

Hermes  descried  nigh  at  hand,  and  anxiously  called 
unto  Priam :  — 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


467 


“ Think  quick!  worshipful  sir;  discretion  is  needful! 
straight  on  us 

Cometh  a  man,  and  I  fear  we  shall  soon  be  cloven 
asunder. 

Say,  shall  we  take  to  the  horses  and  flee,  or  beg  him 
for  mercy?” 

Thus  he  spake,  and  the  old  man’s  senses  forsook  him 
and,  frightened, 

Up  stood  his  hair  with  dismay,  —  he  stopped  like  a 
person  bewildered. 

On  came  Hermes  and,  taking  his  hand,  inquired  of 
him,  saying :  — 

“  Whither,  sire,  so  forlorn,  art  driving  thy  mules  and 
thy  horses 

Here  in  the  night  divine  when  other  mortals  are 
sleeping? 

Hast  thou  no  fear  of  thy  resolute  foes,  the  Achaians 
hard  by  thee? 

Haply  if  one  of  them  saw  thee  by  night  overtaken 
and  darkness 

Carrying  treasures  like  these,  what,  pray,  would 
then  be  thy  feeling? 

Thou  thyself  art  not  young,  and  the  man  who  attends 
thee  no  more  so  — 

Both  unfit  for  defence  were  anyone  prompt  to  assail 
thee. 


468 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


But,  for  myself,  I  will  evil  entreat  thee  in  no  wise, 
and  others 

Keep  from  doing  thee  harm,  for  thou  seemest  to  me 
like  a  father." 

Then,  for  answer,  responded  the  kingly  veteran, 
Priam :  — 

“  Perilous,  true,  is  my  plight,  dear  son,  very  much  as 
thou  sayest; 

Nevertheless  some  god  hath  stretched  his  hand  for 
a  shelter 

Seeing  a  wayfarer  such  as  thyself  he  hath  sent  here 
to  meet  me  — 

Most  auspicious,  so  stately  thy  form  and  thy  gracious 
appearance : 

Wise  art  thou  also  of  heart,  and  blest  are  the  parents 
that  bare  thee." 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  Messenger,  Slayer- 
of-Argus :  — 

“True  as  is  fate,  old  man,  are  all  these  things  thou 
hast  spoken. 

Prithee  go  on  now,  and  tell  me  this,  and  straitly  in¬ 
form  me 

Whether  thou  takest  afar  these  treasures  many  and 
precious, 

Even  to  alien  men,  thus  hoping  to  keep  them  in 
safety, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


469 


Or,  is  it  this,  that  ye  all  are  forsaking  Ilios  sacred 

Driven  by  fear;  so  great  was  your  mightiest  man 
who  is  fallen, 

Even  thy  son;  true  warrior  he,  and  a  match  for  the 
Argives.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  time-worn  veteran, 
Priam :  — 

“Tell  me,  pray,  who  thou  art,  good  sir,  and  who  are 
thy  parents; 

Noble  thy  words  are  respecting  the  hapless,  my  son 
who  hath  perished.” 

Then,  once  more,  for  rejoinder  responded  the  Mes¬ 
senger,  Hermes :  — 

“Thou  art  testing  me,  sire,  in  asking  of  glorious 
Hector. 

Him  have  I  ofttimes  seen  in  man-ennobling  battle; 

And,  at  the  ships,  when  he  mightily  drave  at  the 
Argives  and  slew  them, 

We  who  were  bystanders  watched  him  with  wonder, 
seeing  Achilles 

Suffered  us  not  to  fight,  being  wroth  at  King  Aga¬ 
memnon. 

I  am  a  squire  of  Achilles,  the  same  ship  brought  us 
to  Troy-land; 

One  of  the  Myrmidons  am  I,  the  name  of  my  sire  is 
Polyk'tor. 


470 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Wealthy  is  he,  and  an  old  man  also,  even  as  thou  art, 

Having  of  sons  six  others  beside  me,  —  I  am  the 
seventh, 

And,  by  the  cast  of  the  lots,  it  was  I  who  was  chosen 
to  come  here. 

Now  I  was  bound  from  the  ships  to  the  plain,  for 
the  keen-eyed  Achaians 

Plan,  at  daybreak,  to  set  in  array  their  arms  round 
the  city. 

Chafed  are  they  at  delay,  and  the  kings  can  no  longer 
restrain  them." 


Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  time-worn  veteran, 
Priam :  — 

“If  thou  art  really  the  squire  of  the  son  of  Peleus, 
Achilles, 

Tell  me  the  actual  truth,  if  my  son  still  lie  by  the 
shipping, 

Or,  torn  limb  from  limb,  hath  been  cast  to  the  dogs 
by  Achilles." 


Then  once  again  in  reply  spake  the  Messenger, 
Slay  er-of- Argus:  — 

“No,  by  no  means,  old  man,  have  dogs  devoured 
him,  nor  vultures, 

Nay, but,  just  as  he  fell,bythe  ship  of  Achilles  he  lieth, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


471 


Whole  in  the  camp ;  for  the  past  twelve  days  hath  he 
lain  there,  and  nowise 

Yet  is  his  flesh  corrupt,  nor  eaten  of  worms,  which 
devour 

Men  that  are  fallen  in  battle;  ’tis  true  he  is  dragged 
by  Achilles 

Recklessly  every  morn  about  the  tomb  of  his  comrade 

Yet  he  marreth  him  not;  thou  wouldst  marvel  thyself 
shouldst  thou  see  him 

Lying  fresh  as  a  dew-drop,  the  blood  washed  off  that 
defiled  him, 

Even  the  wounds  all  closed  wherewith  he  was 
stricken,  for  many 

Thrust  their  spears  in  the  corse;  such  care  have  the 
blessed  immortals 

E’en  though  thy  son  is  dead,  for  in  life  they  heartily 
loved  him.” 

Thus  he  spake;  and  Priam  was  glad,  and  answered, 
him,  saying :  — 

“  Surely,  my  child,  it  is  good  to  make  offerings  due 
the  immortals : 

Seeing  my  son  when  alive  —  if,  indeed,  that  son  ever 
did  live  — 

Never  forgat  in  his  halls  the  gods  who  abide  on 
Olympos; 

So,  they  remember  him  now,  albeit  death  is  his  por¬ 
tion. 


472 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Come,  now,  take  at  my  hand  this  beautiful  chalice, 
and  guide  me, 

Heaven  consenting,  that  is,  till  I  come  to  the  camp 
of  Achilles.” 

Then  once  again  for  rejoinder  responded  the  Argi- 
cide,  Hermes :  — 

“Thou  art  testing  me,  sire,  thy  junior,  nor  wilt  thou 
persuade  me 

Bidding  me  take  at  thy  hands  such  a  gift,  Achilles 
not  knowing. 

Him  I  am  greatly  in  awe  of,  and  inwardly  scruple 
to  rob  him, 

Lest,  hereafter,  some  harm  may  befall  me;  yet  would 
I  guide  thee 

Even  to  glorious  Argos,  companion  on  foot  and  on 
shipboard, 

Neither  would  any  man  seek  to  assail  thee  from 
scorn  of  thy  escort.” 


Thus  spake  the  Helper,  and  then  at  a  bound  he,  the 
chariot  mounting, 

Soon  had  the  reins  in  his  hands  and  the  whip,  and 
the  mules  and  the  horses 

Filled  with  a  spirit  of  might;  and  when  they  had 
come  to  the  rampart 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


473 


Guarding  the  camp  with  its  moat,  on  the  watchmen 
just  getting  supper 

Poured  he  slumber  profound,  did  the  Messenger, 
Argicide  Hermes, 

All  of  them,  —  promptly  threw  open  the  gates  and 
the  cross-bars  that  held  them, 

Then  brought  Priam  inside,  and  the  treasures  the 
mule-wagon  carried. 


When  they  were  finally  come  to  the  lofty  camp  of 
Achilles  — 

Camp  which  the  Myrmidons  made  for  their  king, 
of  logs  of  the  pine-tree 

Hewn,  and  above  roofed  over  with  thatching-rush 
mowed  in  the  meadows, 

Closed  in  a  courtyard  wide,  and  stakes  thick  set  to 
defend  it; 

One  bolt  barring  the  door,  (’twas  pine,  and  three  of 
the  Argives 

Commonly  drave  it  home,  to  withdraw  it  as  many 
were  needed  — 

Three  of  the  rest,  for  Achilles  alone  was  able  to  shove 
it—) 

Hermes  the  Helper,  then,  threw  open  the  bolt  for 
the  horse-team, 

Also  the  mules  brought  in  with  the  splendid  gifts 
for  Achilles, 


474 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Then,  to  earth  from  the  chariot  sprang,  and  said  unto 
Priam :  — • 

“Sire,  the  truth  is  that  I  am  a  god  immortal  come 
hither, 

Hermes,  seeing  my  father  hath  sent  me  down  to 
conduct  thee. 

Now  I  shall  leave  thee  again,  nor  come  to  the  eyes 
of  Achilles. 

Justly  wroth  would  he  be,  and  ’twould  be  reprehen¬ 
sible  very 

If,  in  his  face  and  eyes,  a  god  thus  favored  a  mortal; 

Go  thou  in  of  thyself  and  clasp  the  knees  of  Achilles, 

Then  in  the  name  of  his  sire  and  fair-tressed  mother 
entreat  him, 

Aye,  and  his  son’s  sake,  and  wake  in  his  heart  its 
tenderest  yearnings.” 

Suiting  action  to  word,  once  more  to  lofty  Olympos 

Hermes  departed;  and  Priam  to  earth  from  the 
chariot  lighted, 

Leaving  Idaios  behind  to  guard  the  mules  and  the 
horses. 

Straight  to  the  house  went  Priam  —  the  quarters 
of  gifted  Achilles. 

Him  he  found  by  himself,  for  his  retinue  sat  a  dis¬ 
tance  : 

Two  of  them  only  were  present  just  then,  and  busy 
in  serving  — 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


475 


Even  Automedon  bold,  and  Alkimos,  offshoot  of 
Ares  — 

He,  just  ceasing  from  meat,  and  beside  him  still  was 
the  table. 

Mid  them  entered  great  Priam  unmarked  of  any  till, 
kneeling 

Nigh  him,  he  clasped  the  knees  and  kissed  the  hands 
of  Achilles, 

Dreadful,  manslaying  hands  which  of  many  a  son 
had  bereft  him. 

Even  as  when  misadventure  o'ertaketh  a  man,  who 
his  country 

Fleeth  for  homicide  done,  and  hath  come  to  the 
country  of  strangers, 

E'en  to  a  rich  man's  house,  and  astoundeth  all  that 
behold  him, 

So,  all  aghast  was  Achilles  beholding  unfortunate 
Priam; 

So,  too,  the  rest  were  amazed,  and  looked  at  each 
other  in  wonder. 

Then,  in  mighty  appeal,  old  Priam  entreated  him, 
saying:  — 


“  Think  of  thy  father,  godlike  Achilles,  an  old  man 
as  I  am, 

Ready  to  step  from  the  threshold  of  life,  and  neigh¬ 
boring  peoples 


476 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Haply  oppress  him,  and  no  man  is  nigh  to  save  from 
destruction. 

Yet  one  comfort  he  hath,  and  his  heart  is  glad  when 
he  heareth 

Thou  art  alive,  and  he  liveth  in  hope  that  springeth 
eternal 

He  shall  behold  thee  again  —  his  son  returning  from 
Troy-land. 

I,  unlike  him,  am  all  unblest,  for  children  I  once 
had 

Noblest  in  all  my  dominions,  and  none  of  the  good 
ones  are  left  me. 

Fifty  once  were  my  sons  when  the  Argives  landed  in 
Troy-land : 

Most  of  these  many  from  earth  have  been  swept  by 
impetuous  Ares; 

He  who  alone  was  left  and  protected  the  city  and 
people, 

Him  thou  slewest  but  now,  as  he  fought  in  defence  of 
his  country, 

Hector;  and,  lo,  ’tis  for  his  sake  I  come  to  the  camp 
of  the  Argives, 

Hoping  to  win  him  from  thee,  and  the  ransom  I 
bring  thee  is  priceless. 

Reverence  bear  to  the  gods,  and  compassion  for  me, 
great  Achilles, 

Thinking  of  thine  own  sire;  and  I  am  the  more  to  be 
pitied, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


477 


Yea,  have  endured  what  no  mortal  on  earth  ever 
suffered  before  this, 

Even  have  kissed  the  hand  that  hath  spilled  the 
blood  of  my  children.” 


Thus  he  spake ;  and  Achilles,  in  tears  at  the  thought 
of  his  father, 

Seized  on  the  old  man’s  hand,  and  pushed  him  away 
from  him  gently. 

Memories  thronged  on  both;  and  one  for  man¬ 
slaying  Hector 

Shook  with  his  sobs  as  he  lay  there  in  front  of  the 
feet  of  Achilles, 

Also  Achilles  wept  for  his  father,  and  then  again 
changing 

Wept  for  Patroklos,  and  all  through  the  house  went 
the  voice  of  their  mourning. 


After  his  grief  was  spent,  and  his  frame  was  composed 
and  his  feelings, 

Straightway  Achilles  arose  from  his  seat,  and  the 
suppliant  lifted, 

Pitying  sorely  that  old  grey  head  thus  prostrate 
before  him; 

Then,  he  in  winged  words  brake  silence,  and  answered 
him,  saying :  — 


478 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


“.Ah,  unhappy!  in  sooth  the  woes  of  thy  soul  have 
been  many. 

How  didst  thou  dare  to  come  thus  alone  to  the  camp 
of  the  Argives, 

Unto  the  very  eyes  of  the  man  who  spared  not  thy 
children, 

Slaying  thy  many,  thy  valiant?  Good  sooth,  but 
thy  heart  is  of  iron! 

Up,  now,  I  pray  thee,  and  sit  thee  in  peace  in  this 
arm-chair,  and  let  us 

Leave  our  sorrowing  hearts  to  their  rest,  our  grief 
notwithstanding, 

Knowing  though  passionate  wailing  benumb,  it 
nothing  availeth. 

Thus,  forsooth,  have  they  spun,  the  gods,  for  piteous 
mortals 

Ever  to  live  in  pain,  while  themselves  know  nothing 
of  sorrow. 

Twain,  ah,  twain  are  the  urns  that  stand  in  the  halls 
of  Kronion 

Full  of  the  gifts  that  he  giveth  of  evil,  and  one  is  of 
blessings; 

When  Zeus  joying-in-thunder  hath  mixed  these, 
whoso  receiveth 

Meeteth  with  good  at  times,  and  at  times  encounter- 
eth  evil; 

Evil  alone  when  he  giveth,  that  man  Zeus  maketh 
down-trodden, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


479 


Ever  pursued  o’er  the  bountiful  earth  by  ravenous 
hunger, 

Vagabond,  held  in  contempt  alike  by  gods  and  by 
mortals. 

Peleus,  my  father,  for  instance,  was  wondrously 
gifted  of  heaven, 

Even  from  birth;  for  of  all  mankind  he  was  easily 
foremost  — 

Child  of  good  fortune  and  wealth,  was  king  of  the 
Myrmidon  peoples, 

And,  though  mortal  himself,  for  wife  they  gave  him  a 
goddess. 

But,  to  compensate,  even  on  him  the  gods  loaded 
evil, 

Seeing  no  issue  of  princely  descendants  was  born  in 
his  palace, 

Nay,  one  only  child  he  begat  —  to  perish 
untimely. 

I,  while  I  live,  cannot  tend  on  his  age,  for  far  from 
my  country 

Here  am  I  camping  at  Troy,  a  curse  to  thee  and  thy 
children. 

Even  so  thou,  old  man,  we  are  told  wast  formerly 
happy. 

Even  in  all  that  land  above  Lesbos,  kingdom  of 
Makar, 

All  that  Phrygia  north  and  the  far-reaching  Helles¬ 
pont  boundeth, 


480 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Thou,  old  man,  wast  reputed  the  greatest  in  riches 
and  children; 

Yet  since  the  dwellers  of  heaven  have  sent  this  ruin 
upon  thee, 

Ever  have  battles  and  slaying  of  men  engirded  thy 
city. 

Bear  up  thereunder,  and  waste  not  thy  soul  with 
lament  unabating; 

Nothing  at  all  wilt  thou  gain,  nay,  naught  by  griev¬ 
ing  for  Hector, 

Neither  wilt  bring  him  to  life  ere  another  evil  befall 
thee.” 

Then,  for  rejoinder  responded  the  time-worn  veteran, 
Priam :  — 

“Bid  me  not  sit  in  an  arm-chair,  Prince,  in  comfort, 
while  Hector 

Lieth  uncared  for,  but  give  him  at  once  that  mine 
eyes  may  behold  him. 

Take  the  ransom  I  bring;  it  is  great,  and  mayst  thou 
enjoy  it, 

Aye,  and  come  to  the  land  of  thy  birth,  for,  lo,  thou 
hast  spared  me.” 

Then,  with  a  hard  stern  look,  outspake  swift-footed 
Achilles : 1  — 

1  Many  passages  in  Homer  show  that  the  first  act  in  wel¬ 
coming  a  guest  was  to  invite  him  to  be  seated.  When  Achilles, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


481 


“Nay,  now,  anger  me  not,  old  man!  of  myself  I  am 
minded 

Hector  to  grant  thee.  Moreover,  from  heaven  hath 
a  messenger  bade  it, 

Even  the  mother  who  bare  me,  the  child  of  the  sea- 
king,  the  Ancient. 

Yea,  and  further  I  know  of  thee  Priam,  nor  failed  I 
to  mark  it, 

Even  that  one  of  the  gods  was  thy  guide  to  the  ships 
of  the  Argives, 

Seeing  no  mortal  would  venture  to  come,  not  even  a 
young  man, 

Unto  our  host;  for  the  watchmen  who  guard  it  would 
fail  not  to  see  him, 

Neither  with  ease  would  he  open  the  bolt  that  fenceth 
my  doorway. 

Therefore,  beware,  stir  my  feelings  no  more  in  the 
midst  of  my  sorrow, 

Lest,  even  thee,  old  man,  though  suppliant  under  my 
roof-tree, 

Lest  even  thee  I  spare  not,  and  violate  Zeus’s  com¬ 
mandment.” 

therefore,  bids  Priam  seat  himself,  and  Priam  refuses,  it  seemed 
like  a  refusal  of  hospitality,  and  to  put  the  ransoming  of  Hec¬ 
tor  on  a  commercial  basis  purely.  Achilles,  who  intended  to 
consent,  partly  as  yielding  to  his  better  nature  and  partly  be¬ 
cause  Zeus  had  commanded  it,  resented  this  view  of  the  ques¬ 
tion.  It  is  also  true  that  Achilles  liked  to  do  things  in  his  own 
way,  and  objected  to  being  crossed  in  anything. 

VOL.  II  —  31 


482 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Thus  he  said,  and,  affrighted,  the  old  man  sat  as  he 
bade  him. 

Then,  from  the  house  like  a  lion  Achilles  sprang 
through  the  doorway, 

Not  alone,  but  two  of  his  retinue  hurried  behind 
him  — 

Even  Automedon  bold  and  Alkimos,  men  that 
Achilles 

Honored  beyond  their  companions,  next  after  fallen 
Patroklos  — 

Who,  from  under  the  yoke,  unharnessed  the  mules 
and  the  horses, 

Brought  in  the  old  man’s  herald  and  gave  him  a  seat, 
and  the  ransom 

Priceless  for  Hector’s  head  took  down  from  the  well- 
polished  wagon,  "i 

Leaving  behind  two  robes  and  a  well-woven  tunic, 
for  wrappings 

Serving  to  cover  the  dead  when  given  for  the  home¬ 
ward  journey. 

Maid-servants  next  were  called,  and  bidden  to  wash 
and  anoint  him, 

Taking  the  body  apart  that  Priam  might  not  behold 
it, 

Lest,  in  the  ache  of  his  heart,  he  might  not  master 
his  passion 

Seeing  his  son,  and  the  heart  of  Achilles  transported 
by  anger 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


483 


Lead  him  to  slay  his  guest,  and  violate  Zeus’s  com¬ 
mandment. 

Him  when  the  servants  had  washed  and  anointed 
with  oil  of  the  olive, 

Then  on  the  body  had  placed  a  robe  and  a  beautiful 
tunic, 

Hector  Achilles  alone  upraised  and  placed  on  a  bier, 

And,  with  the  help  of  his  squires,  then  placed  on  the 
well-polished  wagon. 

Then,  with  a  heavy  groan,  he  called  on  the  name  of 
his  comrade:  — 


“Be  not  angry,  Patroklos,  at  me,  if  haply  thou 
hearest, 

Biding  albeit  in  Hades,  that  I  have  released  noble 
Hector 

Unto  his  sire,  for  he  gave  in  return  an  adequate 
ransom. 

Of  it  thy  share  will  I  give  thee  again,  as  much  as  is 
seemly.” 


Thus  he  said;  and  unto  his  campfire  returning, 
Achilles 

Seated  himself  on  the  sumptuous  couch  from  which 
he  had  risen, 

Placed  by  the  opposite  wall,  and  spake  a  word  unto 
Priam, 


484 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Saying:  “Thy  son  is  released,  old  man,  as  thou 
hast  besought  me; 

Now  on  a  bier  he  is  lying,  and  thou  shalt  see  him  at 
daybreak, 

Taking  him  back  to  thyself,  but  now  let  us  think  of 
our  supper. 

Fair-haired  Niobe,  even,  bethought  her  of  meat, 
notwithstanding 1 

Twelve  brave  children,  her  all,  were  slain  in  her 
mansion  together, 

Six  of  them  daughters,  and  six  of  them  sons  just 
coming  to  manhood. 

All  these  sons  were  slain  by  the  bow  of  Apollo,  the 
daughters 

Artemis  joying-in-arrows  despatched,  at  Niobe 
angry, 

Seeing  she  boastingly  claimed  to  outrival  Leto  who 
bare  them, 

Saying  that  Leto  bore  two,  but  herself  was  the 
mother  of  many. 

1  It  will  be  remembered  that  Achilles,  from  the  time  that  he 
heard  of  the  death  of  Patroklos  till  after  the  funeral,  refused 
food;  and  the  etiquette  of  mourning  among  Homeric  peoples 
seems  to  have  been  very  strict.  Achilles  tells  the  story  of 
Niobe,  showing  that  even  she  interrupted  her  mourning  long 
enough  to  take  food,  and  resumed  it  later,  and  argues  that 
Priam  would  be  following  a  worthy  example  if  he  did  the  same. 
His  kindliness  in  thus  trying  to  persuade  the  worn  old  man 
that  by  so  doing  he  would  show  no  dishonor  to  Hector,  rightly 
understood,  is  one  of  the  fine  touches  of  the  Iliad. 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


485 


Nine  days’  time  they  lay  in  their  blood,  nor  in  Niobe’s 
country 

Man  was  there  left  who  could  bury  the  dead,  for 
mighty  Kronion 

Turned  the  people  to  stone;  but  the  tenth  day  the 
dwellers  in  heaven 

Buried  them.  Then  she  bethought  her  of  meat 
when  nerveless  from  weeping. 

Now  in  some  far-off  land,  mid  rocks  and  desolate 
mountains  — 

Even  on  Sipylos,  home  of  the  nymphs  who  about 
Acheloos 

Dance,  as  people  report  —  she  there,  though  stone, 
broodeth  alway 

Over  her  woes  from  the  gods.  So  come,  aged  sire, 
and  let  us,  too, 

Think  of  our  natural  food;  for  again  thou  canst  take 
up  thy  weeping 

During  the  homeward  return,  and  thy  tears  for  thy 
son  will  be  many.” 


This  said,  promptly  Achilles  was  up  and  had  slaugh¬ 
tered  a  fatling. 

This  his  attendants  skinned  and  prepared  in  orderly 
fashion, 

Then,  in  pieces,  they  cut  it  with  skill,  and  with  spits 
they  transfixed  it, 


486 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Roasted  it  all  to  a  turn,  and  again  from  the  spits  they 
withdrew  it. 

Bread,  meanwhile,  Automedon  took  and  spread  on 
the  table, 

Served  in  beautiful  baskets;  the  meats  Achilles 
divided. 

Then  they  stretched  forth  their  hands  to  the  good 
cheer  lying  before  them; 

But,  when  their  hunger  and  thirst  were  allayed, 
Dardanian  Priam 

Gazed  at  Achilles  with  wonder,  his  size  and  goodly 
proportions, 

Yea,  for  he  looked  like  a  god;  and  Achilles  wondered 
at  Priam, 

Noting  his  presence,  how  kingly  it  was,  and  hearing 
his  sayings. 

When  they  had  had  their  fill  of  gazing  the  one  at 
the  other, 

First  of  the  twain  to  speak  was  the  old  man,  glorious 
Priam, 

Saying,  “Dismiss  me,  Prince,  to  sleep  as  quickly  as 
may  be, 

So  that  we  both  may  depart  and  enjoy  the  com¬ 
fort  of  slumber. 

Never  beneath  their  lids  have  my  eyes  closed,  no,  not 
a  moment, 

After  that  under  thy  hands  my  son  was  slain,  but 
forever 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


487 


Passed  my  time  in  lament,  and  in  nursing  my  mani¬ 
fold  sorrows. 

Now,  at  last,  have  I  taken  of  bread,  and  moistened 
my  palate 

Drinking  of  bright-eyed  wine,  but  before  that  nothing 
have  tasted.” 

Thus  he  said;  and  Achilles  his  maid-servants  bade, 
and  his  comrades, 

Couches  spread  in  the  roofed  colonnade,  and  beauti¬ 
ful  cushions 

Cast  upon  them  of  purple,  and  coverlets  spread  just 
above  them, 

Also,  to  cover  the  guests,  to  place  over  all  woolly 
mantles. 

Forth  at  his  bidding  they  went  from  the  hall  with 
torches,  and  straightway 

Spread  two  couches  in  haste ;  and  bitterly  thus  said 
Achilles :  — 

“  Sleep  thou  without,  dear  sire,  lest  one  of  the  Danaan 
council 

Come  here,  for  often  they  come  to  consult,  as  is 
proper;  and  haply 

Such  an  one  saw  thee  to-night,  he  would  straightway 
tell  Agamemnon, 

Causing  delay  if  not  worse  respecting  release  of  the 
body. 


488 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Come,  now,  and  tell  me  this,  —  tell  the  truth  without 
hesitation,  — 

How  many  days  thou  desirest  for  funeral  honors  to 
Hector, 

So  I  may  keep  me  from  battle  that  long,  and  hinder 
the  army.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  time-worn  veteran, 
Priam :  — 

“If,  indeed,  thou  art  willing  I  make  due  funeral  for 
Hector, 

Doing  as  thou  hast  foreshadowed  would  be  most 
gracious,  Achilles. 

How  we  are  hemmed  in  the  city  thou  knowest,  and 
far  are  the  forests: 

Wood  must  be  brought  from  the  mountains,  and  sore 
afraid  are  the  Trojans. 

Nine  days’  time  in  the  halls  we  would  wish  for 
lament  over  Hector, 

Then,  on  the  tenth,  we  would  burn  him,  and  due 
feast  give  to  the  people, 

Raise  his  tomb  the  eleventh,  the  twelfth  do  battle  if 
need  be.” 

Then,  once  more,  for  rejoinder  replied  swift-footed 
Achilles :  — 

“So,  be  ye  sure,  shall  it  be,  dear  sire,  even  all  thou 
hast  asked  me. 


I 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


489 


I  will  restrain  the  war  the  whole  time  thou  hast 
demanded.” 

Thus  having  spoken  he  clasped  by  the  wrist  the 
right  hand  of  Priam 

Lest  he  should  fear  in  his  heart;  and  there  in  the 
vestibule  lay  they, 

Even  the  herald  and  Priam,  with  heavy  hearts;  but 
Achilles 

Slept  in  a  nook  of  the  camp  with  fair-cheeked  Briseis 
beside  him. 

Now,  all  the  rest  of  the  gods  and  earth-born  chariot- 
fighters, 

Slumbered  the  whole  night  long,  for  sleep,  all-com¬ 
forter,  thralled  them, 

All  save  Hermes  the  Helper  whom  slumber  forsook, 
as  he  pondered 

How  best  Priam  could  scape  from  the  camp  un¬ 
espied  by  the  watchmen. 

Over  his  head  as  he  slept  bent  Hermes,  and  spake 
to  him,  saying :  — 

“No  thought  of  fear  hast  thou,  old  man,  that  still 
thou  art  sleeping 

Here  amid  hostile  men,  because  thou  wert  spared  by 
Achilles ! 

Now,  already,  thy  son  thou  hast  ransomed,  and 
much  hast  thou  given; 


490 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Yet,  since  thou  art  alive,  full  thrice  as  much  ransom 
thy  children, 

Those  that  are  left  thee,  would  give,  if  King 
Agamemnon  Atreides 

Knew  thou  wert  here  in  his  power,  and  the  other 
Achaians  should  know  it.” 

Thus  he  spake,  and  the  old  man  feared  and  awakened 
the  herald. 

For  them  Argicide  Hermes  then  yoked  the  mules 
and  the  horses, 

And,  through  the  host,  soon  drave  them  himself, 
and  not  a  man  saw  them. 

Now,  when  they  finally  came  to  the  fair-flowing 
streams  of  the  Xanthos, 

Hermes  straightway  departed  to  lofty  Olympos; 
and  Morning 

Robed  in  her  mantle  of  saffron  was  flooding  the  earth 
with  her  glory, 

While,  to  the  city,  with  sorrow  and  sobbings,  the 
herald  and  Priam 

Drave,  and  the  mules  brought  the  dead;  and,  of  men 
and  fair-girdled  women, 

None  descried  them  so  soon  as  Kassandra,  whose 
singular  beauty 

Matched  Aphrodite  the  golden;  for  she,  high  Per- 
gamos  climbing, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


491 


Saw  in  the  chariot  standing  her  father,  and  with  him 
the  herald, 

Also,  Hector  she  saw  on  his  bier  in  the  mule-wagon 
lying. 

Straightway  she  called  with  a  piercing  shriek  that 
was  heard  through  the  city :  — 

“Men  and  women  of  Troy,  go  forth,  and  ye  shall 
see  Hector 

Surely  as  once  ye  rejoiced  to  meet  him  returning 
from  battle 

Living,  for  joy  was  he  then  to  the  city  and  all  of  its 
people.” 

Thus  she  called,  nor  behind  in  the  city  did  any  man 
linger, 

No,  nor  a  woman;  for  all  were  thrilled  with  grief 
overpowering : 

Forth  from  the  gates  they  pressed  till  they  met  the 
wain  with  the  body, 

Led  by  the  loving  wife  and  queenly  mother  who 
wept  him, 

Tearing  their  hair,  and  forward  they  flew  to  the 
wagon,  and  fondly 

Clasped  the  head  of  the  dead ;  and  the  throng  stood 
round  them  lamenting. 

Thus,  then,  the  whole  day  long  till  the  sun  had  gone 
to  his  setting 


492 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


There  in  front  of  the  gates  had  they  stood  lamenting 
for  Hector, 

Saving  that  Priam  called  down  from  the  car,  and 
said  to  the  people :  — 

“Stand  ye  apart,  make  room  for  the  mules  to  pass, 
and  hereafter 

Mourn  to  your  heart’s  desire  when  home  I  have  taken 
the  body.” 

Thus  he  spake;  and  the  people  dividing  made  way 
for  the  wagon. 

When  to  his  well-known  home  the  body  was  borne, 
they  Hector 

Laid  in  state  on  a  gorgeous  couch,  set  singers  beside 
him  — 

Men  who  could  lead  in  the  dirge  —  and  they  a 
funereal  death-song 

Chanted  in  solemn  tone  mid  the  wailings  and  sob¬ 
bings  of  women. 

White-armed  Andromache  mid  them  began  her  sad 
lamentation, 

Holding  the  head  in  her  hands  of  Hector,  slayer  of 
heroes: — 

“Husband,  from  life  thou  hast  gone  in  thy  youth, 
and  a  desolate  widow 

Leavest  me  in  the  halls,  and  our  boy  is  merely  an 
infant, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


493 


Born  of  a  hapless  pair,  of  me  and  of  thee,  and  will 
never 

Grow,  I  fear  me,  to  manhood;  for  long  ere  that  will 
the  city 

Fall  from  its  high  estate;  for  thou,  its  warder,  hast 
perished, 

Thou  its  defender,  who  keptest  in  safety  its  wives 
and  its  children. 

These  in  the  hollow  ships  will  soon  be  departing  as 
captives, 

Yea,  and  I  shall  be  with  them;  and  thou,  too,  wilt 
follow,  my  baby, 

There  to  toil  at  unseemly  tasks  at  the  beck  of  a 
master 

Brutal  and  churlish,  or  else  some  Achaian  will  seize 
thee  and  hurl  thee 

Down  from  the  tower,  a  terrible  death,  in  revenge 
for  that  Hector 

Haply  a  brother  hath  slain,  or  father,  or  son,  for  full 
many 

Under  the  hands  of  Hector  have  bit  the  dust  in  their 
death-throes. 

Nowise  pleasant  to  meet  was  thy  sire  in  the  tumult 
of  battle, 

And,  for  that  reason,  the  people  are  mourning  him 
all  through  the  city; 

Aye,  and  unspeakable  mourning  and  grief  hast  thou 
left  to  thy  parents, 


494 


HOMER'S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Hector,  but  I  most  of  all  shall  be  left  in  comfortless 
sorrow, 

Seeing  thy  hands  thou  stretched  not  to  me  from  thy 
death-bed  at  parting, 

Neither  a  comforting  word  didst  thou  speak  which  I 
might  remember 

Always,  and  mid  my  woe  might  ponder  daytime 
and  nighttime." 

Thus  she  spake  in  her  tears,  and  in  sobs  the  women 
responded. 

Hekabe,  mid  them,  was  next  to  lead  in  the  loud 
lamentation :  — 

“Hector,  dearest  to  me  by  far  of  all  of  my  children, 

Verily,  during  thy  lifetime  thou  ever  wast  loved  by 
immortals, 

So  they  have  cared  for  thee  now,  albeit  death  is  thy 
portion. 

Other  children  of  mine  whom  he  captured,  swift- 
foot  Achilles 

Sold  beyond  the  verdureless  sea,  to  Samos,  and 
Imbros, 

Even  to  smoking  Lemnos,  but  thee,  when  thy  life 
he  had  ravished, 

Many  a  time  he  dragged  round  the  tomb  of  his 
comrade,  Patroklos  — 

Him  whom  thou  slewest —  but  up  from  the  dead  did 
not  raise  him  for  all  that. 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


495 


Now  thou  liest  in  death  as  fresh  as  the  dew,  like  a 
mortal 

Smitten  by  kindly  shafts  from  the  silver  bow  of 
Apollo.” 

Thus  she  spake  in  lament,  and  the  moanings  she 
waked  were  unending. 

Then,  for  the  third,  spake  Helen  in  lead  of  the  loud 
lamentation :  — 

“  Hector,  of  brethren  here  far  dearest  of  all  unto 
Helen, 

Lo,  it  is  twenty  years  since  I  left  the  land  of  my 
fathers, 

Brought  to  an  alien  shore  by  Paris;  would  I  had  died 
first! 

Yet  during  all  those  terrible  years  I  have  heard  from 
thee  never 

Word  of  reproach,  not  one;  and  if  any  one  else  in  the 
palace 

Taunted  me,  either  a  brother,  or  sister,  or  wife  of  a 
brother, 

Even  the  queen,  —  King  Priam  was  always  to  me 
like  a  father,  — 

Such  an  one  thou  wouldst  appease,  and  check  with 
kind  admonition, 

Won  by  a  spirit  thine  own  of  tenderness  tenderly 
spoken. 


496 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


Book  XXIV 


Therefore  I  weep,  and  with  aching  heart,  for  thee 
and  my  hapless 

Self,  for  no  other  is  left  me  in  all  Troy’s  mighty 
dominions 

Kindly  disposed  and  a  friend,  but  all  shrink  away 
with  a  shudder.” 

Thus  she  spake  in  her  tears,  mid  the  wails  of  the 
multitude  countless. 

Then  spake  Priam,  their  aged  king,  and  said  to  the 
men-folk:  — 

“Now,  ye  Trojans,  bring  wood  to  the  city;  nor  fear 
ye  an  ambush 

Craftily  laid  by  the  foe;  for  Achilles  this  of  a  surety 

Promised,  when  sending  me  home  from  the  hostile 
camp  of  the  Argives, 

That,  till  the  morn  of  the  twelfth  day  dawned,  they 
would  nowise  assail  us.” 

Thus  he  said;  and  their  oxen  and  mules  they  yoked 
to  the  wagons,  ", 

And,  in  a  twinkling  thereafter,  were  gathered  in 
front  of  the  city. 

Then  they  for  nine  days’  time  brought  firewood  in 
in  abundance; 

But,  on  the  tenth,  in  the  light  of  the  dawn  which 
shineth  for  mortals, 


Book  XXIV 


HOMER’S  ILIAD 


497 


Men,  with  many  a  tear,  brave  Hector  bore  from  the 
city, 

Placed  the  dead  on  the  funeral  pile,  and  started  it 
burning. 

Straightway  at  peep  of  the  next  day’s  dawn,  in  the 
flush  of  the  morning, 

Sadly  about  the  pyre  of  glorious  Hector  the  people 

Gathered,  and  sparkling  wine  poured  on  till  the  pile 
stopped  blazing. 

Then  his  brethren  and  comrades  the  white  bones 
gathered  together, 

Tears  streaming  over  their  faces,  and,  wrapped  in 
vesture  of  purple, 

Placed  in  an  urn  of  gold;  and  then  in  a  grave  they 
had  hollowed 

Buried  the  urn,  and  huge  gray  stones  piled  thickly 
upon  it. 

Quickly  they  heaped  up  a  mound,  and  about  them 
watchmen  were  stationed, 

Fearing  before  the  time  an  attack  from  the  mail-clad 
Achaians. 

Straightway  the  tomb  was  raised  they  returned  once 
more,  and,  collecting, 

Met  at  a  lordly  feast  in  the  royal  palace  of  Priam. 

Ended  thus  were  the  rites  of  Hector,  tamer  of  horses. 

END  OF  THE  ILIAD 

VOL.  II  —  32 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


. 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


An  Episode  in  the  Iliad  omitted  from  this 

Abridgment. 

Zeus,  when  he  has  inspired  the  Trojans  to  carry  the  Achaian 
Wall,  as  related  in  Book  XII,  allows  his  attention  to  wan¬ 
der,  and  Poseidon  perceiving  this  enters  the  Achaian 
army  disguised  as  a  man  and  renders  the  defence  effi¬ 
cient  assistance. 


Book  XIII  (Lines  10-80) 

No  blind  watch  kept  the  Shaker-of-earth,  immortal 
Poseidon. 

High  on  the  loftiest  peak  of  Samos-in-Thrace  he 
was  sitting 

Rapt  in  watching  the  battle,  for  thence  in  entirety 
Ida, 

Thence  the  city  of  Priam  was  seen,  and  the  Argive 
encampment. 

There  he  had  gone  from  the  depths  of  the  sea,  and 
yearned  for  the  Argives 

All  overborne  by  Troy,  and  at  Zeus  was  bitterly 
angered. 


502  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Straightway  down  from  the  mount  by  rugged  path 
he  descended, 

Striding  with  mighty  strides,  and  the  lofty  hills  and 
the  woodlands 

Trembled  under  his  feet  at  the  tread  of  immortal 
Poseidon. 

Three  were  his  steps,  then  a  fourth,  and  was  come  to 
the  end  of  his  journey, 

Aigai,  for  there  was  his  glorious  house  in  the  deeps  of 
the  harbor, 

Gleaming  and  fashioned  of  gold,  forever  and  ever 
abiding. 


Straightway  unto  his  car  the  great  god  harnessed  his 
horses, 

Bronze-footed,  swift  as  the  birds,  with  manes  wide- 
flowing  and  golden, 

Girded  himself  in  his  armor  of  gold,  and  seizing  the 
well-made 

Reins  wrought  also  of  gold,  he  straightway  mount¬ 
ing  his  chariot 

Drave  the  steeds  o’er  the  waves;  and  sea-creatures, 
knowing  their  master, 

Swarmed  from  their  places  of  hiding  apace,  and 
frolicked  about  him; 

Wide  apart  in  their  joy  stood  the  waves  of  the  sea, 
and  the  horses 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  503 


Sped  on  their  way,  and  the  axle  of  bronze  kept  dry 
notwithstanding. 

So,  the  high-bounding  steeds  bore  their  lord  to  the 
camp  of  the  Argives. 

Now,  in  the  deeps,  down  under  the  sea,  is  a  very 
broad  cavern 

Lying  ’twixt  Tenedos  isle  and  the  rugged  island  of 
Imbros. 

There  the  lord  of  the  earthquake,  Poseidon,  halted 
his  horses, 

Set  them  free  of  the  car  and,  to  feed  them,  ambrosial 
fodder 

Placed  at  their  heads;  then  shackles  of  gold  bound 
under  their  fetlocks 

Not  to  be  broken  nor  loosed,  intending  the  horses 
should  stay  there 

Waiting  their  master’s  return;  then  he  sought  the 
embattled  Achaians. 

Closely  arrayed,  like  a  flame  or  a  storm-wind,  on 
came  the  Trojans 

Stedfastly  following  Hector,  and  roaring  and  yelling 
in  chorus, 

Thinking  to  capture  the  Danaan  camp,  and  slay  its 
defenders. 

Straightway  Poseidon,  now  come  from  the  sea,  ex¬ 
horted  the  Argives, 


504  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Taking  the  form  and  unwearying  voice  of  Kalchas 
the  prophet. 

First  he  spake  to  the  Aiases  twain,  who  needed  no 
urging:  — 

“  Aiases  both,  it  is  yours  to  save  the  Danaan  army 

So  ye  remember  your  might  and  disdain  dishearten¬ 
ing  panic. 

Fear  have  I  none  of  this  Trojan  array  swarming  over 
our  ramparts  — 

They  will  be  held  in  check  by  the  mail-clad  Achaians; 
disaster 

Only  I  dread  from  their  leader,  this  madman  who 
rageth  like  fire, 

Hector,  who  boasteth  himself  to  be  son  of  Zeus  the 
transcendent. 

Granting  some  one  of  the  gods  should  inspire  the 
spirit  in  you  twain 

Both  to  fight  to  the  utmost  yourselves  and  encourage 
the  others, 

Then  might  you  drive  from  the  ships  this  Hector,  his 
dash  notwithstanding, 

Yea,  though  the  power  of  Zeus,  the  Olympian  lord, 
be  behind  him.” 

Thus  spake  the  Shaker-of-earth,  and  touching  the 
twain  with  his  sceptre 

Filled  them  with  spirit  for  fight,  and  their  limbs 
forgot  they  were  weary. 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  505 


He  himself  like  a  swift-winged  hawk  when  it  starteth 
its  flying, 

Which,  from  its  haunt  on  a  lofty  rock  that  goat  never 
clambered, 

Suddenly  darteth  to  earth  to  snatch  some  bird  for 
its  supper, 

Even  so  quick  from  the  twain  sped  away  earth- 
shaking  Poseidon. 

First  to  perceive  was  the  quick-witted  Aias  the  son  of 
Oileus, 

And,  to  the  other  he  spake,  the  great  Telamonian 
Aias: — 

“Aias,  this  being  was  one  of  the  gods  who  dwell  in 
Olympos, 

Speaking  in  guise  of  our  seer,  who  urged  us  to  fight 
for  the  shipping. 

This  was  no  Kalchas,  our  prophet  and  augur,  for 
when  he  departed 

I  from  behind  saw  his  feet  and  his  knees,  and  marked 
that  they  moved  not. 

Easy  are  gods  to  distinguish,  and  lo,  the  heart  in 
my  bosom, 

Yea,  and  my  feet  and  my  hands  for  the  fray  have 
longing  unwonted.” 

Then  in  response  to  his  namesake  spake  great  Tela¬ 
monian  Aias : — 


506  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


“Just  so  also  in  my  case  the  hands  are  wild  for  the 
spear-shaft, 

Aye,  and  my  courage  is  high,  and  my  feet  are  hasting 
beneath  me. 

Hector  now  flushed  with  success  I  could  meet  alone, 
and  should  flinch  not.” 


Poseidon,  in  the  guise  of  Kalchas,  now  addresses  the  army 

generally. 

Book  XIII  (Lines  95-154) 

“Shame,  ye  Argives,  ye  vigorous  youths!  in  you  have 
I  trusted, 

Knowing  your  strength  in  fight,  to  keep  our  shipping 
in  safety. 

Hark  ye,  if  men  like  you  are  slack  in  desperate 
conflict, 

Dawned  right  now  is  the  day  that  will  witness  your 
final  destruction. 

’Sdeath!  an  unwelcome  surprise  mine  eyes  are 
beholding,  and  direful,  — 

What,  for  one,  I  never  had  dreamed  as  a  possible 
danger,  — 

Trojans  assailing  our  ships,  the  Trojans  who  always 
before  this 

Seemed  like  the  timorous  deer,  whose  life  is  a  flight 
in  the  greenwood 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  507 


Seemingly  made  to  be  eaten  by  wolves  and  jackals 
and  panthers, 

Wandering  helpless,  defenceless,  no  drop  of  fighting- 
blood  in  them: 

So  the  Trojans,  aforetime,  the  might  and  hands  of  the 
Argives 

Never  would  face  in  a  hand-to-hand  fight,  no,  not 
for  a  moment. 

Now,  far,  far  from  the  city,  they  fight  at  our  ships 
and  encampment 

Owing  to  fault  of  our  leader,  and  slackness,  in  turn, 
of  the  army, 

Who,  in  their  anger  at  him,  neglect  to  fight  for  the 
shipping. 

As  to  the  act  of  Atreides,  our  masterful  king,  Aga¬ 
memnon, 

E’en  though  we  grant  he  was  wholly  to  blame  for 
insulting  Achilles, 

That  does  not  justify  us  in  being  remiss  in  our 
duty. 

Up,  now!  be  wise  in  time;  for  wise  are  the  minds  of 
the  valiant. 

Just  excuse  have  ye  none  for  abating  your  spirit  and 
valor, 

You,  who  are  flower  of  the  army.  At  one  unequal 
to  warfare 

I’m  not  the  man  to  rail,  but  at  you  I  am  thoroughly 
angry. 


508  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Comrades,  the  more  your  remissness  the  sooner  and 
greater  the  evil! 

Think  of  your  own  self-respect  and  the  just  indig¬ 
nation  of  others! 

Hard  is  the  conflict  before  you,  for  Hector  good  at 
the  war-cry 

Fights  in  his  might  by  your  ships,  and  your  gates 
hath  he  broken  in  sunder.” 

Such  was  Poseidon’s  appeal,  and  its  urgency  roused 
the  Achaians. 

Straightway  they  stood  by  the  Aiases  twain  in 
powerful  phalanx 

Such  as  Ares,  if  with  them,  would  scorn  not,  no,  nor 
Athena: 

Nay,  as  the  Trojans  and  Hector  came  on  they  gal¬ 
lantly  faced  them, 

Spear  interlacing  with  spear,  and  shield  on  shield 
overlapping, 

Targe  close  crowding  on  targe,  helm  helm,  and  hero 
on  hero: 

Horse-hair  plumes  on  the  glittering  crests  atop  of 
the  helmets 

Hit  as  they  nodded,  so  serried  the  ranks,  so  close  they 
were  standing; 

Ponderous  spear-shafts  were  bending  as  swayed  in 
the  hands  of  the  mighty, 

Eyes  were  turned  to  the  front,  and  hearts  beat  pant¬ 
ing  for  battle. 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  509 


Forward  in  close  array  pressed  the  Trojans  —  Hector 
was  leading 

Meaning  to  charge  straight  through:  but  as  head¬ 
strong  boulder  a-rolling,  — 

Swept  from  the  steep  it  hath  haughtily  crowned  by 
a  turbulent  river 

Swollen  by  wintry  rains  which  have  eaten  away 
its  foundations,  — 

Bounding  it  flieth  on  high,  beneath  it  thunders  the 
forest, 

On,  still  on,  it  poundeth  its  way  till  it  reacheth  a 
level  — 

Then  it  rolleth  no  more,  its  will  notwithstanding;  so 
Hector 

Threatened  to  charge  through  the  Danaan  camp 
till  he  came  to  the  sea-shore 

Smiting  with  edge  of  the  sword;  but  when  he  en¬ 
countered  the  phalanx, 

There  he  was  stayed  though  he  pressed  on  hard  — 
the  embattled  Achaians 

Met  him  with  sword-point  and  spear-point,  and 
forced  him  back  in  his  onset. 

Then  with  a  shout  that  resounded  afar  he  called  to 
the  Trojans:  — 

4 ‘Trojans  and  Lykians,  children  of  Dardanos,  hand- 
to-hand  fighters, 

Hold  your  advantage!  n'ot  long  will  the  Danaans 
stop  me,  albeit 


510  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Massed  like  a  tower,  but  methinks  my  spear  will 
disperse  them,  for  surely 

Hera’s  high-thundering  lord,  war’s  arbiter,  biddeth 
me  forward.” 


Book  XIII  (Lines  345-383) 

Thus  the  two  mighty  sons  of  Kronos  crooked-in¬ 
counsel 

Through  their  opposing  wills  wrought  woes  for  both 
the  contestants. 

Zeus,  on  the  one  hand,  was  willing  success  for  the 
Trojans  and  Hector, 

Meaning  to  honor  Achilles,  the  haughty  of  heart; 
but  he  nowise 

Meant  that  the  Danaan  host  should  utterly  perish 
in  Troy-land, 

Nay,  but  only  to  pamper  the  pride  of  Achilles  and 
Thetis. 

Pitted  against  him  Poseidon  had  come  to  strengthen 
the  Argives, 

Secretly  stealing  to  earth  from  the  surging  sea;  for 
he  brooked  not 

Seeing  them  suffer  defeat,  and  was  bitterly  wroth 
at  his  brother. 

Parents  and  country  the  same,  the  brethren  were 
equal  except  that 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


511 


Zeus  was  the  elder  born,  and  he  knew  more  things; 
so  Poseidon 

Shunned  to  give  open  aid,  but,  throughout  the  host 
of  the  Argives 

Ever,  but  wearing  disguise  of  a  man,  kept  bidding 
them  forward. 

Thus  of  impartial  war  and  desperate  battle  the 
brethren 

Knotted  the  cords,  and  strained  them  alike  for 
Achaian  and  Trojan, 

Not  to  be  broken  nor  loosed,  but  the  knees  they 
loosened  for  many. 

Hera  now  takes  part  in  the  drama,  and  schemes  to  distract 
the  attention  of  Zeus  while  Poseidon  is  rallying  the 
Achaians. 


Book  XIV  (Lines  158-362) 

High-throned  Hera  the  while  was  standing  atop  of 
Olympos 

Watching.  Poseidon  her  brother  she  knew,  dis¬ 
guise  notwithstanding, 

Urging  the  Argives  to  glorious  fight,  and  her  soul 
was  delighted. 

Then,  as  she  turned  her  gaze  to  Ida,  mother  of  rivers, 

There  on  the  summit  was  Zeus,  and  her  soul  waxed 
bitter  with  hatred. 


512  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


How  to  distract  the  attention  of  Zeus,  that  he  see  not 
Poseidon, 

Sorely  perplexed  the  wits  of  the  ox-eyed  queen,  and 
she  pondered 

Scheme  after  scheme  for  deluding  her  lord;  and  this 
seemed  the  shrewdest,  — 

Decking  herself  in  her  best  to  repair  to  Ida,  if  haply 

Zeus  might  be  fired  with  desire  and  yield  to  her  ardent 
embraces 

So  to  lull  eyes  and  his  vigilant  mind  in  sleep  un¬ 
suspecting. 

Straight  to  the  chamber  she  went  which  her  son, 
deft  workman,  Hephaistos 

Made  for  her,  entered  by  bright-shining  doors  close 
fitting  the  door-posts 

Shut  by  a  secret  bolt  which  no  other  immortal  could 
open,  — 

Into  this  chamber  she  went  and  the  bright  doors 
bolted  behind  her. 

Then  with  ambrosia  first  from  off  her  beautiful 
person 

Washed  she  every  defilement,  and  next  with  oil  of 
the  olive, 

Sweet  and  ambrosial,  anointed  herself,  — ’twas  of 
singular  fragrance, 

Such  that  if  once  it  were  shaken  in  Zeus’s  brazen- 
floored  dwelling 

All  over  earth  and  heaven  was  diffused  the  volatile 
perfume. 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


513 


After  her  beautiful  skin  with  this  was  anointed, 
her  tresses 

Next  she  combed  and  plaited  in  braids  that  shone 
like  a  halo,  — 

Lovely  ambrosial  locks  befitting  a  goddess  im¬ 
mortal. 

Then  about  her  she  wrapped  her  ambrosial  robe 
which  Athena 

Tastefully  wrought,  and  upon  it  had  placed  much 
needlework  cunning,  — 

Tying  it  over  her  bosom  with  buckles  goodly  and 
golden; 

Then  her  girdle  put  on  bedecked  with  tassels  an 
hundred, 

Ear-rings,  also,  with  pendants  three,  —  all  very 
becoming. 

Then,  her  head  with  a  veil  this  goddess  of  goddesses 
covered, 

Beautiful,  newly  made,  and  white  it  was  as  the  sun¬ 
light; 

Under  her  delicate  feet  she  last  bound  beautiful 
sandals. 

Finally,  now  that  her  body  was  decked  with  all  her 
adornments, 

Forth  from  her  chamber  she  sallied  and,  calling  to 
bright  Aphrodite, 

Led  her  apart  from  the  rest  of  the  gods,  and  spake 
to  her,  saying :  — 
vol.  ii  —  33 


514  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


“Prythee,  wilt  grant  me  the  boon,  dear  child,  I  am 
going  to  ask  thee, 

Or,  from  our  discord  refuse  me,  thy  heart  at  this 
being  hostile, 

Seeing  the  Danaans  I,  and  thou  the  Trojans  defend- 
est?  ” 


Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  daughter  of  Zeus, 
Aphrodite :  — 

“Hera,  queen  of  the  gods,  and  daughter  of  Kronos 
the  mighty, 

Tell  me  the  boon  in  thy  mind;  my  heart  impels  me 
to  grant  it, 

If  I  am  able  to  do  it,  that  is,  nor  accomplishment 
hopeless.” 


Then,  in  the  craft  of  her  heart,  responded  imperial 
Hera :  — 

“Loan  me,  just  for  the  time,  desire  and  love  where¬ 
withal  thou 

Holdest  all  in  thy  thrall,  both  gods  undying  and 
mortals. 

I  am  going,  my  dear,  to  the  limits  of  earth  on  a  visit, 

Even  to  Ocean,  the  sire  of  the  gods,  and  Tethys 
their  mother,  — 

Them  who  bred  me  as  one  of  their  house,  and  royally 
reared  me, 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  515 


Having  received  me  from  Rhea  when  Zeus,  dread 
Arbiter,  prisoned 

Kronos  in  regions  below  green  earth  and  the  verdure¬ 
less  billows. 

Them  I  am  going  to  see,  and  would  end  their  quarrels 
unceasing,  — 

Seeing  this  long,  long  time  they  are  living  apart  from 
each  other 

Both  as  to  bed  and  embraces  of  love,  so  deep  is  their 
hatred. 

If,  by  my  words,  this  pair  I  could  win  to  complete 
reconcilement 

So  as  to  bring  them  anew  to  their  old-time  bed  and 
endearment, 

Then  I  the  title  should  win  of  a  dear  friend,  loved 
and  respected.” 

Then,  with  a  merry  laugh,  responded  blithe  Aphro¬ 
dite  :  — 

“Hera,  I  cannot  refuse  thee  thy  word,  nor  would  it 
be  seemly,  — 

Thee  who  sleepest  with  Zeus,  and  his  royal  embraces 
enfold  thee.” 

E’en  as  she  spake  from  her  waist  she  unbound  her 
girdle  embroidered, 

Wrought  in  many  a  hue,  and  in  it  were  all  her  en¬ 
chantments  : 


516  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


In  it  inwrought  were  love,  and  longing,  and  in  ifc 
allurement 

Tender,  which  even  have  power  to  steal  their  wits 
from  the  wisest. 

This  she  tossed  to  the  hands  of  her  queen  with  the 
cheerful  assurance :  — 

“Here  is  my  girdle;  take  it,  and  lay  it  away  in  thy 
bosom, 

Broidered  in  many  a  hue,  and  with  all  my  charms; 
and  I  tell  thee 

Nowise  fruitless  the  journey  will  be  which  thou  art 
designing.” 

Thus  spake  sweet  Aphrodite,  and  ox-eyed  imperial 
Hera 

Smiled,  but  suppressing  the  smile,  she  hid  the  gift 
in  her  bosom. 

Parting,  away  to  her  house  went  the  daughter  of 
Zeus,  Aphrodite. 

Hera  with  hurrying  feet  went  straight  from  the  peak 
of  Olympos, 

First  on  Pieria  stepping,  and  next  on  Emathia  lovely, 

Then  to  the  snow-clad  hills  of  the  horse-breeding 
Thracians  she  hastened  — 

Loftiest  mountains  of  earth  —  yet  earth  touched 
not  with  her  footsteps. 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


517 


Leaving  Mount  Athos  she  sped  on  the  dark  sea’s 
billowy  pathway 

On  to  the  island  of  Lemnos,  the  city  of  Thoas  the 
godlike. 

Sleep,  twin  brother  of  death,  she  met  —  it  was  he 
she  was  seeking  — 

Clasped  his  hand  in  her  own,  and  said  in  winsome 
entreaty:  — 


“  Sleep,  thou  master  of  all,  not  men  alone  but  im¬ 
mortals, 

E’en  as  of  yore  my  word  thou  hast  heeded,  so  once 
again,  pray, 

Do  as  I  bid  thee,  and  gratitude  for  it  thou  winnest 
forever. 

Seal  King  Zeus’s  vigilant  eyes  in  slumber  unruffled 

Straightway  in  loving  embrace  thou  seest  me  lying 
beside  him. 

Gifts  will  I  give  thee,  a  beautiful  arm-chair,  forever 
abiding, 

Golden;  Hephaistos  shall  make  it,  my  artisan  son 
who  is  crippled, 

Make  it  with  wondrous  care,  and  set  thereunder  a 
foot-rest.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  god  of  slumber 
resistless :  — 


518  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


“Hera,  queen  of  the  gods,  thou  daughter  of  Kronos 
the  mighty, 

Anyone  else  of  the  gods  might  I  readily  level  in 
slumber, 

Even  the  Ocean  Stream,  the  ancient  sire  of  the 
living : 

Zeus  Kronion  —  not  I  would  venture  into  his 
presence 

Much  less  put  him  to  sleep  when  he  hath  not  in 
person  enjoined  it. 

Lo,  I  obeyed  thee  once  on  a  time,  and  it  taught  me 
a  lesson  — 

I  refer  to  the  day  when  high-hearted  Herakles,  Zeus's 

Son,  from  Ilios  sailed,  after  taking  the  Phrygian 
city — 

I  did  the  lulling  to  sleep  of  the  wits  of  the  lord  of  the 
aegis, 

Softly  twining  about  him;  but  thou,  imagining  mis¬ 
chief, 

Sent  on  the  sea  tempestuous  winds,  a  mighty  tornado, 

Driving  his  vessels  to  Kos,  a  populous  city  of  stran¬ 
gers,  -  -V 

Friend  not  one  was  anigh  him;  and  Zeus  was  wroth 
when  he  wakened, 

Hurled  the  gods  round  the  palace,  but  picked  me 
out  for  a  scapegoat. 

Then  had  I  never  been  heard  of  again,  for  he  threat¬ 
ened  to  cast  me 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  519 


Into  the  sea  from  the  ether,  but  Night,  all-powerful, 
saved  me. 

Unto  that  goddess  I  fled,  and  Zeus,  his  wrath  notwith¬ 
standing, 

Ceased  his  pursuit,  for  he  shrank  to  offend  night’s 
shadowy  mistress. 

Now  thou  bid’st  me  unlearn  all  that  bitter  ex¬ 
perience  taught  me.” 

Promptly  responded  the  ox-eyed  queen,  his  imperial 
mistress :  — 

“Sleep,  let  bygones  be  bygones!  Dismiss  these  vain 
apprehensions. 

Say,  dost  thou  really  think  Zeus  careth  enough  for  the 
Trojans 

So  that  his  wrath  would  be  kindled  as  when  his  son 
was  in  danger? 

Grant  me  my  prayer,  and  one  of  the  Graces  in  flower 
of  her  girlhood 

I  will  give  thee  to  wed,  and  thy  wedded  wife  be  her 
title.” 

Thus  she  spake,  and  Sleep  was  delighted,  and  an¬ 
swered  her,  saying:  — 

“Quick,  now,  swear  me  an  oath  by  the  baleful 
Stygian  river, 

One  hand  placing  on  earth,  on  the  sea  bright-gleaming 
the  other, 


520  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


So  that  the  gods  in  the  darkness  below  where  Kronos 
is  banished 

All  may  be  witnesses  for  us,  without  reservation  to 
give  me 

Her  I  have  longed  for  so  long,  Pasithea,  bud  of  the 
Graces.” 

Thus  he  spake,  and  Hera,  the  white-armed  goddess, 
complying 

Swore  to  all  he  had  bidden,  and  named  by  name  the 
immortals, 

All  who  dwell  under  Tartaros’  deeps,  and  are  known 
as  the  Titans. 

Now  when  Hera  was  sworn  and  the  oath  was  finished 
completely,  -p 

Off  went  the  twain,  and  Lemnos  they  left  and  the 
city  of  Imbros  — 

Hidden  from  view  by  mist  —  and  soon  had  accom¬ 
plished  their  journey. 

So,  to  Ida  they  came,  the  mother  of  beasts  and  of 
rivers, 

Even  to  Lektos  where,  leaving  the  sea,  they  over  the 
mainland 

Hurried  amain,  and  the  tree-tops  high  swayed  under 
their  footsteps. 

Sleep  there  waited  apart  that  the  eye  of  Zeus  might 
not  see  him, 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  521 


Climbing  a  monstrous  pine,  the  tallest  growing  on 
Ida, 

Where,  by  the  pine-boughs  hid,  he  perched  like  the 
bird  of  the  mountains 

Known  by  the  vibrant  notes  it  rolleth  and  shaketh 
at  nightfall, 

“ Night-jar ”  called  by  the  gods,  but  by  men  best 
known  as  the  “night-hawk.” 

Hera  the  while  had  arrived  at  the  Gargaros-summit 
of  Ida. 

Zeus  who  ruleth  the  storm-cloud  beheld,  and,  soon 
as  he  saw  her, 

Love  swept  over  his  heart  as  when  first  they  joyed 
in  each  other 

Flitting  together  to  bed,  and  their  parents  never 
suspecting. 

Up  he  stood  at  her  coming,  and  spake  her  name,  with 
the  query:  — 

“Hera,  what  was  the  errand  that  sendeth  thee  here 
from  Olympos? 

I  do  not  see  any  horses  or  chariot  either  to  bear  thee.” 

Then,  with  guile  in  her  heart,  imperial  Hera 
responded:  — 

“Oh,  I  am  started  to  visit  the  broad  earth’s  utter¬ 
most  limits, 


522  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Even  to  Ocean,  the  sire  of  the  gods,  and  Tethys  their 
mother, 

Them  who  received  me  as  child  of  their  own,  and 
royally  bred  me. 

Them  I  am  going  to  visit,  and  end  their  unnatural 
quarrels, 

Seeing  already  a  long,  long  time  they  abstain  from 
each  other, 

Both  as  to  bed  and  embraces  of  love,  so  deep  is  their 
hatred. 

As  to  my  horses,  I  left  them  behind  at  the  foot  of 
Mt.  Ida, 

Standing  all  ready  to  carry  me  there  over  land,  over 
water. 

Hither  I  come  from  Olympos  for  thy  sake,  no  other 
reason, 

Lest,  when  the  deed  was  done,  thou  mightest  be 
wroth  if  I  rashly 

Went,  without  saying  a  word,  to  the  dwelling  of 
eddying  Ocean.” 


Then  for  rejoinder  responded  great  Zeus  who  darken- 
eth  heaven :  — 

“Hera,  that  journey  can  wait.  Let  us  turn  at  once 
to  the  love  bed. 

Never,  before  hath  such  passion  as  this  for  goddess 


or  woman 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  523 


Either,  so  flooded  my  heart  and  conquered  the  soul 
in  my  bosom 

As,  at  this  moment,  my  love  is  for  thee,  and  importu¬ 
nate  longing.” 

Then,  with  craft  in  her  heart,  responded  imperial 
Hera :  — 

“Son  of  Kronos,  thou  awful!  How  indiscreet  thy 
proposal ! 

Why,  if  I  grant  thy  desires  right  here  on  the  summit 
of  Ida, 

Here  where  all  is  in  sight,  what  if  one  of  the  ever- 
existing 

Gods  should  catch  us  lain  down,  and  tell  it  around  to 
the  others! 

I’m  not  the  one  who  could  ever  go  back  to  the  tattle 
of  heaven, 

Rising  from  such  a  couch  —  it  would  be  reprehen¬ 
sible,  very. 

Nay,  if  thou  really  desirest  this  thing,  and  thy  heart 
is  determined, 

There  is  thy  chamber  with  close-fitting  doors,  the 
work  of  Hephaistos :  — 

There  let  us  go  to  our  regular  bed,  since  desire  hath 
possessed  thee.” 

Then  for  rejoinder  responded  great  Zeus  who  ruleth 
in  cloudland :  — 

“Hera,  banish  thy  fears  that  god  or  mortal  may  see 
us,  — 


524  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Such  a  cloud  will  I  cover  us  with,  ineffable,  golden ! 
Through  it  not  even  the  Sun  can  espy,  whose  sight  is 
the  keenest.” 


Even  while  speaking  thus  the  son  of  Kronos  the 
mighty 

Clasped  his  wife  in  his  arms;  and  earth  divine  under¬ 
neath  them 

Put  forth  fresh-growing  grass,  and  lotus  dewy,  and 
crocus, 

Aye,  and  hyacinths  many  and  soft,  —  a  couch  of 
the  greensward. 

There  mid  the  flowers  they  lay;  and  a  vesture  of 
cloud  overspread  them, 

Beautiful,  golden,  resplendent,  and  dripping  with 
sparkling  dew-drops. 


Thus  in  a  dreamless  sleep  slept  Zeus  on  the  Gargaros- 
summit, 

Holding  his  wife  in  his  arms,  by  love  overcome  and 
by  slumber. 

Then,  away  to  the  Danaan  ships,  on  the  run  and 
triumphant, 

Sped  sweet  Sleep  with  a  message  to  tell  earth- 
shaking  Poseidon. 

Nigh  Poseidon  he  halted  and  breathlessly  spake  to 
him,  saying:  — 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  525 


“Fearlessly,  now,  O  Poseidon,  pursue  thy  defence 
of  the  Argives! 

Let  them  with  victory  march  for  the  moment  at 
least,  while  on  Ida 

Zeus  still  sleepeth,  for  I  have  overspread  him  with 
comforting  slumber, 

Senseless,  for  Hera  to  dalliance  sweet  by  craft  hath 
beguiled  him.” 


Thus  he  spake,  then  wended  his  way  to  races  of 
mortals, 

Leaving  Poseidon  still  further  inspired  for  defence  of 
the  Argives. 


Book  XV  (Lines  168-219) 

Zeus  soon  wakens  and  sends  Iris  to  warn  Poseidon  from  the 
field. 

Thus  spake  Zeus  and,  not  disobeying,  wind-footed 
Iris 

Sped  from  the  mountains  of  Ida  down,  down  to  Ilios 
sacred. 

Swiftly  as  when  from  a  cloud  flyeth  snowflake 
frozen  or  hailstone 

Swept  by  a  wintry  blast  of  Boreas  born  of  the  ether, 

Even  so  fast  on  her  mission  sped  heaven’s  swift 
messenger,  Iris. 


526  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Reaching  the  far-famed  Shaker-of-earth  she  spake 
to  him,  saying :  — 

“Message  I  bring  thee,  Poseidon,  from  Zeus  who 
wieldeth  the  aegis: 

Go,  saith  Zeus,  from  the  battle;  go,  quit  the  field 
altogether, 

Making  thy  way  to  the  court  of  the  gods,  or  the  sea, 
thy  dominion. 

If,  regarding  him  not,  thou  meetest  his  word  with 
refusal, 

Then  Zeus  saith  he  will  come  here  in  person  and 
face  thee  in  conflict. 

Strongly  he  urgeth  submission,  and  warns  thee  to 
shun  such  encounter, 

Saying  that  he  is  far  greater  in  might,  and  in  birth 
was  the  elder, 

Yet  in  the  pride  of  thine  heart  thou  heedest  him  not, 
but  assumest 

Thou  art  the  peer  of  thy  king,  the  dread  of  the  other 
immortals.” 


Then,  in  a  towering  rage,  responded  the  lord  of  the 
earthquake :  — 

“  ’Sdeath!  No  doubt  he  is  great,  but  this  is  an 
insolent  message, 

Threatening  me  with  force,  albeit  his  equal  in  honor ! 
Brethren  three  were  we,  the  sons  of  Kronos  and  Rhea, 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  527 


Zeus  and  I,  and  Hades  was  third,  the  king  of  the 
dead  folk. 

Threefold  division  we  made,  and  each  came  in  for  a 
kingdom : 

I,  on  the  casting  of  lots,  had  the  surging  sea  for  my 
portion, 

Mine  to  dwell  in  forever,  and  Hades  the  westering 
darkness; 

Zeus,  for  his  share,  the  wide,  wide  heaven  in  the 
clouds  and  the  ether, 

Leaving  Olympos  and  earth  still  common  to  all  the 
immortals. 

Therefore  I  nowise  will  walk  at  the  bidding  of  Zeus; 
unmolested 

Let  him  remain  content  with  his  third,  his  might 
notwithstanding. 

Let  him  not  try  by  his  threats  to  terrify  me  as  a 
weakling; 

Daughters  he  hath  and  sons  whom  himself  hath 
begotten;  ’twere  better 

Visit  on  them  his  opprobrious  words  —  they  will 
hear  from  compulsion.” 


Then  for  rejoinder  responded  the  messenger,  wind¬ 
footed  Iris:  — 

“Wilt  thou  on  second  thought,  thou  land-locking, 
dark-haired  Poseidon, 


528  ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON 


Send  me  back  with  answer  to  Zeus  so  froward  and 
surly, 

Or,  by  a  bit,  reconsider?  and  wise  minds  do  recon¬ 
sider. 

Knowest  thou  not  the  Avengers  support  the  power 
of  the  elder?  ” 


Then  for  rejoinder  responded  Poseidon,  lord  of  the 
earthquake :  — 

“Iris,  fate  is  no  truer  than  this  the  word  thou  hast 
spoken ! 

Yea,  Tis  an  excellent  thing  when  a  messenger  knoweth 
discretion! 

Sorely  my  heart  is  pained  to  think  of  his  insolent 
bidding 

Spoken  to  me,  his  peer,  and  entitled  to  equal  observ¬ 
ance, 

Yet  for  the  time  I  yield  to  his  claims,  though  just  my 
resentment. 

One  thing  more  will  I  say,  and  not  only  threaten  but 
mean  it: 

-a 

If,  without  my  consent  and  that  of  Athena  the 
raider, 

Also  of  Hera  and  Hermes  and  craftsman  Hephaistos, 
he  spareth 

High-walled  Ilios,  neither  permitteth  its  utter 
destruction, 


ZEUS,  HERA,  AND  POSEIDON  529 


This  let  him  know,  we  five  shall  be  unappeasably 
angry.” 

Thus  spake  the  Shaker-of-earth  and,  leaving  the 
host  of  Achaians, 

Went  and  plunged  in  the  sea,  and  sadly  the  Dan- 
aans  missed  him. 


Date  Due 


■ts 


131S21 


V  TZ'  .  •'  .  -  r  • 

r  •  ^  - 

BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 

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